NPFL referee beaten in matchday three clash between Remo Stars and Bendel Insurance

Bethel Nwanesi the referee that officiated the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) matchday three encounter on Sunday, January 20 between Remo Stars and Bendel Insurance was reportedly attacked by supporters of the home side after proceedings.

Remo Stars were held to a 1-1 draw at home by Bendel Insurance.

Charles Omokaro opened the scoring for Bendel Insurance before Victor Mbaoma equalised for the home side .

According to reports the home supporters were reportedly not impressed with the way the game was handled and let their frustrations known at the completion of the encounter.

Pictures circulating on social media have shown the referees brutalized and in need of medical attention after the fans descended upon them.

It was the opening game of the season for the two teams who recently gained promotion from the lower division to the NPFL and they both met in the NNL Super 8 tournament .

Remo Stars have issued a statement regarding the incident which involved an 88th minute goal disallowed.

"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. "

The development comes after the League management Company (LMC), placed a fine and Stadium ban on Plateau United for an identical situation which involved officials attacked by home supporters .

No decision has been made at the time of this reports as we await a full investigation and possible disciplinary actions with the NPFL set to continue with midweek games.