An exclusive video handed to Oceania Football Center appears to show Lae City FC captain and Papua New Guinea international Raymond Gunemba, alongside a teammate, pushing the referee just after the final whistle in the club’s 2-1 defeat to Vitiaz United last weekend in Lae.
The video, roughly one minute in length, captures the controversial dying moments of the game, which saw five-time reigning champions Lae City suffer their first defeat of the season to newcomers Vitiaz United on 25th January, 2020.
In the video, with Lae trailing 2-1, a throw-in is taken towards the Vitiaz penalty box. Gunemba tussles with a Vitiaz defender inside the box before being brought down, but the referee does not give a penalty. Seconds later, the referee blows the whistle for full-time, before Gunemba sprints towards him and angrily pushes him in the back, before engaging in a heated conversation. A teammate also seems to push the referee, with his arms clearly swinging backwards after the incident.
You can watch the video right here.
With Gunemba having started and played a key role for Lae City again this weekend against FC Bougainville, it looks like he has thus far avoided a ban, despite the fact that according to local sources, the incident would be placed under investigation.
We’d love to hear your thoughts on this matter. Was that a clear penalty for Lae City and Raymond Gunemba? Were Gunemba and his teammate justified in pushing the referee? Should he be punished for his reaction? And should FC Bougainville fans feel hard done by, given that Gunemba played such a key role in the 3-2 defeat this weekend? Feel free to share your thoughts below.
That was a clear penalty went begging due to reffree’s inaction hence the reaction from Raymond. Ref had the opportunity to penalize or report but decided not to do so. So What is the point of raising again?
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Referee’ inaction was the cause. Gunemba was held from back using hands by the opponent player.
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Still,Under the World Fifa rules any players inCluding Messi or Ronaldo you a not allow to touch the Reff…
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It seems clear Raymond was pulled down in the contest.
Ref failed his part.
Raymond rightfully was frustrated However, he shouldnt have touched/pushed the referee .
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