After Francis Nwifuru, the governor of Ebonyi State, and his team’s cup final game on Sunday night, September 10, players and fans from the Ishielu Local Government Area team reportedly attacked a referee.
The match’s alleged poor officiating reportedly led to the referee being chased throughout the stadium as he fled for his life.
After the governor stepped in to save the referee from the enraged fans who had overpowered the security guards attempting to protect him, order was once again restored.
Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi denounced the attack at the award ceremony, calling it “shameful and embarrassing.”.
“I didn’t anticipate the players to act improperly.
“Anyone unhappy with a referee’s ruling should instead take their complaint to the appropriate officials, not the referee.
“The person will still face consequences, and I am confident that given what the sports commissioner told me, we won’t see a repetition of this kind of violence,” he added.
Additionally, the governor stated that in order to prevent similar attacks, match officials for upcoming competitions will travel from other states.
“Neither the players’ teams nor anyone else would be aware of the match officials.
The sports commissioner, however, “has demonstrated his strength in organizing such a competition and we would continue to provide opportunities to empower and unite our youths,” the official said.
When Ohaozara LGA defeated Izzi 1-0 in the third-place game, they finished third.
Ebonyi LGA won the trophy by defeating Ishielu 2-1.
