The Nigeria Premier Football League Matchday 35 fixture between Kano Pillars and Rivers United at the Sani Abacha Stadium was marred by violence after match officials were attacked inside the stadium premises.
The incident occurred shortly after the conclusion of the first half as the officiating crew made their way to the pitch for the commencement of the second half. The match officials were by individuals within the technical area in the stadium.
During the altercation, the center referee was struck in the head with an object, causing him to collapse on the spot. Commencement of the second half was delayed for close to 30 minutes due to the Referee receiving medical attention on the pitch.
Rivers United media officials were harassed while documenting the incident. Their cameras and mobile phones were seized, and all footage of the attack was deleted before the devices were returned.
Rivers United has written a petition to the NPFL board, demanding a full investigation into the attack on the match officials and the seizure and deletion of its media team’s content.
