During a match between Heartland of Owerri and defending Champions, Plateau United, in Imo state, an unfortunate football referee was jumped after the match and beaten unconscious, so badly so, he had to be admitted to hospital in Owerri, Imo State.
The referee officiating a match between was attacked by Heartland football fans after the match ended in a 1-1 draw as Tosin Omoyele of Plateau United scored the equalizer.
This angered Heartland fans and they attacked the referee, blaming his officiating as the reason their team didn’t win.
This is not the first time a referee will be attacked in the Nigerian football league game. A few months ago, another case of referees being attacked was reported in the Nigeria Professional Football League.
Fans of Sunshine Stars of Akure allegedly beat up the centre referee, Damian Akure, after their goalless draw at home to Kano Pillars few weeks ago. Reports with pictures claim that the home crowd descended on the officials after the final whistle.
However, the media officer for Sunshine, Chris Okunnuwa, denied the attack but admitted that a fan threw an object at the referee which may have wounded him.
“Honestly the referees were not attacked or assaulted physically, there was no way that would have happened anyway due to the heavy security presence on ground for the Sunshine Stars – Kano Pillars game.
“But truly a water object was thrown from the crowd towards the officials on their way to the dressing room after the game and that could have caught the injured official. I know the club won’t shy away from taken responsibility for this.
“Shame it appeared the way it is already but in truth, the referees were not assaulted save for the object thrown by a spectator in the crowd and last time I checked serious efforts were already on to fish out the object thrower and bring him to book.
“I am saying this with all level of assurance and certainty no one will attack referee(s) this season and beyond in Akure with the measures on ground and the fans education.”
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