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Soccer News of Friday, 14 November 2008

Source: GNA

Referee assaulted by football fans

Cape Coast, Nov. 14, GNA - The timely intervention of the police saved the life of Cape Coast Class One referee Jeffery Amamoo from being lynched by irate supporters of Cape Coast Nadel Ahly Rovers F/C at the Robert Mensah stadium on Thursday. Referee Amamoo who handled the Central Region Division Two Middle league match between Ahly Rovers and Gomoa Assin Mampong Hi-Kings was attacked and beaten by the supporters immediately after he had whistled to signify the end of the goalless match. The Ahly Rovers supporters forced open the inner perimeter gate and went unto the playing field to attack the referee, as they accused him of robbing their Club from winning the match. There was stampede during the melee and a handful of the Police personnel who intervened to maintain order had a fare share of the beatings from the irate fans. The Police, however, managed to free the referee from the grips of the supporters and whisked him into the offices of the National Sports Council where he was given first aid. A police reinforcement led by ASP Gyamfi later arrived to escort Mr Amamoo to safety.

Mr Mathew Doe, Chairman of the Central Region Football Association described the incident as very unfortunate and said spectators should not only watch matches with their hearts but to be disciplined because of the passionate nature of the game. "They should not expect victory "at all cost" adding that soccer must always be played in the spirit of friendliness. Alhaji Ibrahim, Chairman of Rovers FC condemned the incident and rendered an apology on behalf of the Club to Referee Amamoo for the unfortunate incident. 14 Nov. 08