Sunshine Stars In Hot Mess After Fans Threw Objects At Referees

The revolting part of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) was conveyed to fore again on Sunday following reports of an assault on the match officials that officiate the Sunshine Stars versus Kano Pillars tie.


Damian Akure had Emmanuel Apine and Lewis Gwantana as his Assistant ref while Kenneth Onyiro was the fourth official in the Match Day 8 game at the Akure Township Stadium.

Sunshine has been heavily fined and sanctioned by the LMC recently, due to the unruly behaviour of their fans at the Akure Sports Complex and were banished to the Otunba Dipo Stadium, Ijebu ode last season over crowd violence and only returned to the Akure Sports Complex this season. 

The media officer for Sunshine, Chris Okunnuwa has debunked speculation of an attack despite the fact that he conceded that a fan tossed an object at the match official which may have injured him.

“Honestly the referees were not attacked or assaulted physically, there was no way that would have happened anyway due to the heavy security presence on ground for the Sunshine Stars - Kano Pillars tie.

“But truly a water object was thrown from the crowd towards the officials on their way to the dressing room after the game and that could have caught the injured official. I know the Club won't shy away from taken responsibility for this.

“Shame it appeared the way it is already but in truth, the referees were not assaulted, only for the object thrown by a spectator in the crowd and last time I checked serious efforts were already on to fish out the object thrower and bring him to book.

“I am saying this with all level of assurance and certainty no one will attack referee(s) this season and beyond in Akure with the measures on the ground and the fans education.”