It was a chaotic scene in Lagos on Wednesday during the NPFL match between Sporting Lagos and Plateau United as fans assaulted officials and media personnel.
Sporting Lagos lost their first home game of the season 2-1 to Plateau United, struggling to avoid relegation as Jonathan Alukwe’s goal was not enough to save the them.
With Plateau United leading the home team 2-0 in the first half, the fans became agitated, complaining about officiating.
The situation escalated after a few penalty calls were not given, prompting threats from a section of the home fans towards match officials.
However, 15 minutes before regulation time, fans began hauling missiles at the referee, hitting him on the head multiple times.
The tension was exacerbated by a delay in updating the match status on online apps, which showed the match still at the 85th minute despite being further along.
Fans, already upset with the potential relegation of Sporting Lagos and the first home game loss to Plateau, were further infuriated.
Immediately after the final whistle, fans attempted to storm the pitch, but security intervened.
Media personnel covering the incident were also attacked, with reporters from Brila Media and the social media teams being beaten and their phones ceased.
They were forced to delete their footage, although some videos were recovered.
This incident comes just days after a similar event during the Rangers vs Enyimba match, where fans invaded the pitch, threw missiles, and attacked a linesman.
Enyimba was fined ₦10 million and Rangers ₦5 million for their parts in the commotion that ensued.
It remains to be seen whether the NPFL will take punitive action against Sporting Lagos for this latest outbreak of violence.