Remo Stars issue warning to fans after referee was beaten following a home draw

Nigerian League side, Remo Stars have issued a warning to their fans after a matchday referee was beaten mercilessly following a home draw versus Bendel Insurance on Sunday.

The Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) matchday 3 was marred with the bloody incident as Bethel Nwanesi, the referee that officiated the game, was reportedly attacked by supporters of the home team.

A goal, which might have proved the winner, had been disallowed by the referee during the match that happened to be the opening game of the season for both sides, who recently gained promotion to the top flight.

In a statement released by the club, a ‘staunch warming’ was issued to ‘supporters or individuals’ who come with the intention of causing violence in the stadium.

The club said they will severely deal with anyone found guilty of such behaviour.

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The full statement

“Remo Stars Football Club (RSFC) regrets the unfortunate incident that happened after the Nigeria Professional Football League Match Day 3 game against Bendel Insurance at the Gateway International Stadium, Sagamu.

“After the final whistle of the game which ended 1-1, an intruder gained access to the match officials and unfortunately one of the officials got injured.

“A manhunt has started immediately as the management of the club and the Nigeria Police Force Sagamu division are working closely to ensure that the intruder is brought to book to face the consequences of his actions.

“We totally regret and condemn this act as we don’t encourage violence in football.

“In the same vein of condeming this act we would also like to indicate that the centre referee Bethel Nwanesi calls all through the game were questionable and in the 88th minute a good goal was scored, which would have been the winning goal, was ruled offside and disallowed by the referee which caused an uproar among the fans.

“This of course is no reason why anyone should get hurt, we have lost games at home in the past against Plateau United, Enyimba FC, MFM FC, Rivers United without witnessing such violence.

“We also want to make a staunch warming to supporters or individuals who come with the intention of disrupting or causing violence in the stadium as the club will severely deal with anyone found guilty of such behaviour.”

 

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