Assault on Referee: NWFL hammer falls on Rivers Angels, two players as Super 6 finalist emerge

By Olusola Adebayo

Rivers Angels lost by 1-0 to defending Champions, Bayelsa Queens on Friday, which effectively ended their title. 

The match center referee was assaulted by Rivers Angels immediately after the final gone was blasted.

In a swift reaction, they reacted to the ugly incident both players have suspended while Rivers Angels were also fined. 

Here is the summary of the punishment meted out to the club and erring players.

The NWFL acknowledged the report on Match No. 5 between Rivers Angels FC and Bayelsa Queens FC in the 2023 NWFL Super Six Competition played on Friday, 9th June 2023 in Asaba, Delta State where two of Rivers Angels players assaulted a match official in the aforementioned match.

An assault on Match official(s) in any form is a serious offense that goes against the principles of fair play and respect for match officials. Therefore, the action of Rivers Angels is not acceptable to the Nigeria Women's Football League.

After a thorough investigation into the incident and also reports from Match Officials confirming the unruly behavior of the two players, the Nigeria Women's Football League has decided to impose the following sanctions on Rivers Angel 

A fine of One Million Naira (N1,000,000.00) has been imposed on Rivers Angels for contravening Article 26.1 which states that “any player or official who assaults a match official or any other person in the course of a match through physical, verbal, intimidation or form of body language that is deemed offensive on or against match officials are liable to a fine of N1,000,000.00 and possible banishment. The NWFL may place a ban of up to 1 year on a venue where Match Officials are assaulted.

Players Jersey No. 12, Adjei Charlotte, and Jersey No. 22, Hassan Suliat have been suspended respectively for the 3rd Place match between Confluence Queens FC and Rivers Angels FC for bringing the game to disrepute.

NWFL strongly encourage Rivers Angels to ensure that their players and officials understand the importance of fair play and respect for match officials. 

Meanwhile, the final of the playoff championship will be played between Bayelsa Queens and Delta Queens after both sides top their respective groups. 

Delta Queens kept their unbeaten runs by playing a goalless draw with Edo Queens to maintain firm grip in their group.

The match will be played on Sunday, at the Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba, where the winner will cart home the sum of 10 million naira and the ticket to represent Nigeria at the WAFU zonal qualifier of the CAF Women Champions League.