FFM has handled a suspension for the rest of the season for two referees for disastrous refereeing.

photo by KF Gostivar: referees Marjan Smilkoski, Vlatko Ilioski and Zoran Kostoski before the match

Main referee Vlatko Ilioski and second assistant Marjan Smilkoski, both from Prilep, made series of disastrous errors at the 2.MFL West Round 22 match between Gostivar and Vardar and directly influenced the final outcome (the hosts won 2:1).

Right ion the 4th minute Vardar scored but Ilioski cancelled the goal for a foul, which did not exist – FFM later reported in a detailed analysis of the match. In the 42nd minute Ilioski awarded Gostivar a penalty kick for a foul that only he had seen. Gostivar converted the penalty equalizing on 1:1.

But the biggest charade happened in the 2nd injury minute of the first half when Vardar scored a goal. Assistant Smilkoski waved his flag for offside and Ilioski accepted his suggestion. It was a clear onside situation as one home played was lying in the box.

The offside that never was

Due to the three huge mistakes that lead to Vardar eventually losing the match, FFM suspended both bad referees for the rest of the season.

Ilioski, born on 02.11.1993 in Prilep, this season has been of matches in the top flight, second league West, third league South and the U19 and U18 youth leagues, mainly as main referee and sometimes as first assistant of 4th referee.

Smilkoski, born on 27.07.2978 in Prilep, is far more experienced, but never reached a high level. In the second league West this season he was first or second assistant, as well as in the women’s top flight, while he acted as main referee in the 4.MFL Prilep.