The attack on a referee in Owerri during a recent NPFL game brings the issue of security at match venues to the fore once again, reports ’TANA AIYEJINA
Nigerian referee Yusuf Garba is perhaps still thanking his stars for being alive today. Last Monday, the Nigerian Professional Football League ref was almost killed by irate fans after Heartland were held 1-1 at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri, by champions Plateau United.
The ref sustained several wounds from the attack, including a cut on his head.
Garba’s offence? He had the audacity to allow an added time goal by the visitors, which tied the game 1-1. Abiodun Thompson had put the hosts ahead early on but Tosin Omoyele grabbed the equaliser in the last minute of added time for the visitors, to the consternation of the home fans, who pounced on Garba.
That has been the fate of refs in the hands of irate fans in the Nigerian…
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