What Happened To The Nigerian Oriental Derby?
A Nigerian derby match has been abandoned after fans stormed the pitch before the away side refused to continue playing.
It all kicked-off when home side Enugu Rangers were awarded a penalty at 0-0, in the late stages of the match.
Enyimba were furious with the decision, and decided to walk off the pitch.
Reporters at the match, have stated that it appeared an Enyimba defender pulled-down the on-rushing Rangers striker, who was inside the opposition penalty area.
Both of these sides are in a heated title-race, with only two points separating them. If the penalty was given and scored by Enugu Rangers, they would have had a five point lead on Enyimba, with just two remaining games.
The moment the fans encroached the pitch and the match was abandoned
— Jamiu Adelase (@adelasejamiu) June 9, 2024
Ranger International 0 🆚 0 Enyimba #RANENY #OrientalDerby#NPFL24#RANENY pic.twitter.com/0y7y3gPq5x
The Enyimba players confronted the referee has soon as the call was made, with some of them even pushing him. Meanwhile, thousands of ranging home fans were just metres away on the side-lines, also voicing their anger.
Deduct 6 points each from both teams and award Remo Stars the league 🤧🤲🏾📿
— Babushka Boi (@PharmGatsby) June 9, 2024
One fan, named Babushka Boi on X, has argued that both teams should be deducted six points for their actions. Funnily enough this would give a huge advantage to 3rd placed side Remo Stars, who this X user appears to support.
That was never a penalty but,the action of enyimba players is totally wronged. They should punished for that too
— Dhammylare_09 (@Kazeem_09) June 9, 2024
Meanwhile, Dhammylare_09 on X has criticised the actions of the Enyimba players, whilst claiming the referee should not have awarded a penalty.
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