By Bilesanmi Abayomi
The second half of the highly anticipated match between Remo Stars FC and Gombe United on Match Day 12 of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) was abandoned by the referees. The game, which was held at the Remo Stars Stadium in Sagamu, was already intense as the first half ended in a goalless draw.
Things took a turn for the worse for Remo Stars as they were reduced to 10 men following an undeserved red card in the 43rd minute of the first half. The decision was met with protests from the Remo Stars players and fans alike.
The referees, who have been in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons in recent times, walked out of the stadium without speaking to the press. This move left many fans, who had traveled from far and wide to witness the match, disappointed and frustrated.
In a statement issued via their Twitter handle, Remo Stars FC confirmed that the match officials decided not to come out of the tunnel for the second half, citing reasons known only to them. The statement also assured fans that there was law and order in place, with good music playing in the stadium and calm prevailing among the fans.
The Kosofe Post reported that there were no reports of assault on the referees at the time they left the stadium. The Interim Management Committee (IMC) is expected to take a decision on the abandoned match.
Fans and football enthusiasts in the country have expressed their disappointment at the turn of events, with many calling for a review of the refereeing system in the NPFL.
The league has been plagued with controversies in recent times, and the latest incident has only added fuel to the fire. It remains to be seen what action the IMC will take to address this issue and restore fans’ faith in the league.