By Victor Kanayo
The outcome of a high profile match of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) between two top teams – Rangers and Enyimba international has triggered reactions across the country.
The matchday 35 which happened Sunday night witnessed the away team Enyimba staging a walkout after centre referee sounded a penalty kick at added time in a game watched physically by about 40, 000 spectators.
The Referee’s Call
Heritage Times HT reports that the penalty call was in favour of the host inside their stadium popularly known as Cathedral, but Enyimba rejected it.
Sunday’s game tagged the Oriental Derby was a title decider with Rangers topping the league standings on 60 points and Enyimba trailing them by two points.
Fans had trooped out in masse for the fiercely contested encounter and all was going well.
However, with the game tied goalless, the referee pointed to the spot late in the game, awarding Rangers a penalty.
That decision did not go well with Enyimba players who protested the decision.
READ ALSO: Fixing Nigeria With An Anthem
Violent Scenes Amidst NPFL Confirmation
While efforts were made to resume play, the game turned chaotic when some fans invaded the pitch, disrupting the highly-anticipated match, though casualty was recorded at the end.
Confirming the situation, NPFL leadership via its X handle wrote, “Rangers 0-0 Enyimba” “Match interrupted after penalty awarded to Rangers in added time.”
Afterwards many Nigerians have been reacting with some in support or against the referee’s late minute call.
Some others who spoke mostly via social media condemned the walkout by Enyimba, NPFL defending champions.
Reactions
A FIFA rated referee assessor, Mr. Sunday Okai, who spoke to Heritage Times HT said the decision of the referee was spot on.
He said, “What does the law say about holding an opponent? Let us acquaint ourselves with the laws of the game before taking our stands? The laws of the game does not care about our emotions. It is operational.
“The decision of the referee was spot on based on the video clips I have watched.”
After the debate rages, it remains to be seen what the decision of the League organisers will turn out to be.
