The Oriental Derby between Enugu Rangers and Enyimba FC last night experienced a chaotic ending after Enyimba FC players walked out of the game, protesting a referee’s decision to award a late penalty against the People’s Elephant.
In the rivalry tie, which recorded one of the biggest attendances, the fans of both teams enjoyed the ambiance until an incident involving an Enyimba defender occurred.
The defender slightly held onto Rangers’ striker, who fell down in the goalkeeper’s box. Although the centre referee ignored the incident and requested that the game continue, the linesman raised his flag towards the penalty spot, requesting that the challenge be reviewed for a penalty.
At that moment, the Enyimba players unprofessionally left the pitch, and their fans encroached on the stadium, disrupting the game.
There wasn’t a way the game could return to play following the ugly incident at the Nnamdi Azikwe Stadium; subsequently, the game was abandoned.
This left the 35th match day not counted for both teams, while both remain at the summit of the NPFL table.
Regarding what will happen next, the decision will be made by the NFF disciplinary committee.
Often, teams have been sanctioned for not providing adequate security for such important games, so Enugu Rangers could be charged for that.
Additionally, Enyimba could face a penalty for encroachment and misconduct from its players and fans, who attempted to assault the linesman who called for the challenge that led to the penalty review.
