Over 23,000 petition for World Cup referee to be removed after caught 'celebrating' with player in Nigeria win

A controversial photo has been making the rounds online today that had marred Nigeria's 1-0 victory over tournament newcomer Bosnia and Herzegovina on Saturday. In the said photo, New Zealand referee Peter O'Leary is shown in the background appearing ecstatic while holding the game ball and being hugged by Nigeria's goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama.

Nigeria's win over the weekend was the country's first victory in over 16 years as a World Cup team qualifier, the New York Times said. Peter Odemwingie had scored the only goal in the Saturday match in the 29th minute following one of many powerful runs by strike partner Emmanuel Emenike. Nigeria, who is on their last Group F game against Argentina, would need a single point in order to reach the knockout stage.

Nigeria goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama said, "It's something awesome for Africa. Africa needed that win, something to boost the confidence back home."

Bosnia and Herzegovina fans are not convinced that Nigeria did secure that victory. Buzzfeed said that a goal by Bosnian's Edin Dzeko was incorrectly ruled out for offside minutes ahead of Odemwingie's goal. A petition on Change.org is calling for O'Leary's ouster, with over 23,000 backing the call to remove the referee who made the offside goal call.

However, FIFA has told the Independent that they are backing the New Zealander's decision and said in a statement, "We are aware of the photo. The interpretations of this photo that we've seen are baseless. We have 100% confidence in the referee team and fully trust their commitment to protect the integrity of the game."

Dzeko, who is also a striker for Manchester City, has some choice words for O'Leary. He was quoted saying after the match, "The referee happened. We are going home, we are sad because of that, but the referee should go home too, because he changed the result, he changed the game, and that's why we lost. We tried to come back after the goal where there was obviously a foul on our captain and before when I scored a goal it was not offside. Nigeria played good as well, but the referee was shameful for this competition."

Tags

2014 World Cup Nigeria vs Bosnia and Herzegovina, World Cup Nigeria referee celebration photo, Edin Dzeko, FIFA

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