Kandy SC have protested to the Sri Lanka Rugby Football Referees Association (SLRFRA) that they cannot accept the presence of the appointed referee (Gehan Yatawara) for their game against CR & FC today the outcome of which will be crucial for both teams in the run-up to the title.
But the head of the SLRFRA Dinka Peiris told the Sunday Observer he is unaware of any protest to change the referee despite a letter signed by Kandy SC official Lasantha Wijesuriya addressed and sent to him.
Kandy SC have also said they could not accept the manner in which referee Yatawara blew their previous week’s match against Havelocks.
Kandy SC’s letter to the SLRFRA states: “Given the circumstances, we kindly request your consideration for our upcoming game against CR & FC to appoint a competent and experienced referee who is capable of handling and controlling the game in a more professional manner”.
However, it must be recalled that referees are also human and can make mistakes as it has happened all these years.
Nevetheless the on-field referee is well supported by other referees who stand in as his assistants patrolling the line-outs and the concept has worked well in every game of rugby in the current set up.
Peiris said the SLRFRA saw no valid reason to change the appointed referee Yatawara.
