U-20 Rugby: Referees decide to withdraw from officiating Trinity matches

The Sri Lanka Rugby Referees' Society (SLRRS) has made a decision not to officiate School Rugby matches of Trinity College following an incident took place at Pallekele on Saturday (28).

Witnesses said that the two Assistant Referees and the on-field Referee of Saturday's Singer Schools Under-20 Cup Segment match between hosts Trinity College and Science College were subjected to harassment by the spectators. 

Sources say that on-field Referee Irshad Cader has been escorted to the medical room by the officials of Trinity but the Assistant Referees Deepal Punyawardene and Sarath Madugalle have been manhandled by a group spectators who are said to be supporters of the hosting team. 

Reasoning out the safety of referees the SLRRS has made an interim decision to stay off from matches played by Trinity College who happened to be the hosts of Saturday's encounter. 

The President of SLRRS, Nizam Jamaldeen expressed his concern on the accelerating amount of risk the referees are faced at present. 

"It has come to a point that we have to seriously think of the safety of the referees. After yesterday's happening the SLRRS has taken a decision to withdraw from matches played by Trinity. The SLRRS will hold an emergency meeting within the next few days and make a final decision based on witnesses and reports," Jamaldeen stated.