Referee assaulted, again
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, January 18 2010: The 4th Manipur State League is becoming uglier day by day following repeated attacks on referees and match officials by players and supporters.

The prestigious league launched as a part of the Vision India Project under the aegis of the Asian Football Confederation only in some select States of India is now facing a serious crisis following repeated attacks on referees by rowdy crowd and indiscipline players.

It is shameful that some players of the State have neither sportsmanship nor discipline though they may be talented.

The injured referee being carried out from the football field

The second leg match between NISA Thangmeiband and USA Khurai played at Khuman Lampak Main Stadium was marred by a nasty attack on the referee.

In the 72nd minute, the referee awarded a penalty kick in favour of NISA following for holding back N Jimmy of NISA by USA defender Y Hemanta in the penalty area.

Soon a group of USA players swarmed around referee S Lokendro complaining against the penalty decision.

In the meantime, N Rakesh of USA Khurai came all the way from the halfway line to the penalty area of NISA and punched hard the referee on the face quite unexpectedly.

The blow floored the referee causing profuse bleeding on the nose.

After giving first aid in the referee room, he was admitted in JN Hospital.

The remaining minutes of the match was conducted by fourth official N Tarun who made no change in the penalty decision taken by his predecessor.

Moreover, N Rakesh was sent off with a straight red card for assaulting the referee.

The match ended at 3-2 in favour of the Thangmeiband side.

The first leg match was also won by NISA at 1-0 .

It was just four days back when NISA players and supporters were attacked another referee during their match against ESU Wangkhei.

For their unacceptable behaviour, five players and two officials of NISA have been penalised by AMFA.

Football lovers lamented that the recent attacks on referees would go down as the most shameful and embarrassing moments in the history of football in Manipur.

Earlier, MPSC and AIM fought a pitched battle at the same ground.

11 minutes into the game, MPSC drew first blood via a free kick taken by Ksh Kanta.

AIM found the equaliser in the 79th minute when S Santa slotted home a deflected ball.

The match ended 1-1 .

AIM defeated the police side 3-2 in the first leg match.