Vipers SC were left frustrated by controversial officiating decisions as they settled for a goalless draw against Police FC in a tense Uganda Premier League encounter at Kira Road Playground.
The Venoms felt hard done by after referee John Baptiste Tumuhaise and his assistants denied them what appeared to be a clear penalty and a legitimate goal in the second half.
The contentious moment arrived in the 58th minute when Arafat Usama’s effort struck the hand of Police defender Deus Bukenya inside the penalty area.
However, instead of pointing to the spot, Tumuhaise awarded Vipers a freekick just outside the box.
Video replays later showed that Bukenya was inside the area when he handled the ball, leaving Vipers players and officials incensed.
The resulting freekick produced another disputed call. Usama’s strike crashed against the woodwork before Enock Ssebagala nodded the rebound into the net.
Assistant referee Ashiraf Katerega immediately raised his flag for offside.
Although Taddeo Lwanga was in an offside position when the ball went into the box, he neither attempted to play the ball nor obstructed Police goalkeeper Sammon Oloka, who was already grounded when Ssebagala headed home.
Police also had their own penalty appeal earlier in the match after striker Bedia Djuma Ikamba was brought down in the area by Vipers defender Kevin Da Silva, but the referee waved play on.
Despite dominating large spells of the contest, Vipers could not find a breakthrough. Glodi Beyuku Monsi came closest when his effort struck the post before Karim Watambala’s follow-up was blocked by Richard Matovu.
Defender Hillary Mukundane also had a late opportunity but headed wide at the far post.
The result moves Vipers SC to 61 points with two matches remaining against Maroons (A) and Express (H).
Vipers remain seven points ahead of Kitara FC, who face Express, while second-placed KCCA FC trail by six points ahead of their trip to face UPDF FC on Wednesday.
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