Retired FIFA referee, Joseph Lamptey Wellington has jumped to the defense of suspended referee, Joseph Lamptey insisting refereeing is not an easy job.
Confederation of Africa Football (CAF) suspended Ghanaian referee, Joseph Lamptey for three months following his poor performance in the World Cup qualifier between South Africa and Senegal.
The experienced referee was guilty of awarding a controversial penalty to South Africa to aid them record a 2-1 win over Senegal at Peter Mokaba Stadium Polokwane.
Senegal lodged an official protest with CAF over the performance of the referee and CAF are said to have taken a decision to punish referee Lamptey but the retired referee believes refereeing is not an easy job.
“I understand the decision taken by CAF but refereeing is not an easy job and you need to make a decision within split seconds”, Wellington told Asempa Sports.
“Joseph Lamptey should have contacted his assistant referee because we all thought it was a penalty until the replay.
“We shouldn’t say he was bribed by the South Africans because these things happen in football but I will urge him not to worry because he has a bright future ahead of him.
“He is human and hence he is bound to make mistakes so we shouldn’t condemn him because he is one of the best referees we have in the country now so let’s wait and see what happens when he returns,” he added.
