Football Fan Attacks, Kills Referee In Middle Of The Game

Posted by: lukwago J in News June 18, 2021

Football fans in Kisii County Kenya were left in shock after one of them launched an attack and killed a referee amidst of the game.

Authorities identified the deceased as Mwalimu John Chang’aa. He was officiating a match at Gasabakwa football pitch by the time he was attacked and killed by a fan in second half.

Spectators narrated that the referee cancelled a goal that was scored after the linesman notified by raising a flag over a foul which was deliberately made before scoring.

Mwalimu’s decision to cancel the goal irritated both football players and fans of the affected club who quickly confronted him.

During the attack, one of the fans reportedly kicked him badly. The mob injured Chang’aa, leaving him fighting for his life at the football pitch.

Nyakumbati Sub-Location Assistant Chief, Mr Muchiri Albert confirmed that the aggressive fan was identified and arrested. He was detained by the police who launched investigations into the tragic incident.

The elderly referee was well respected in the area

They rushed the elderly referee to a nearby healthcare centre after the attack. The hospital pronounced him dead upon arrival.

“We were informed that one of the fans was unhappy with the decision the referee made and stormed the field where he attacked and injured the match official. He has been arrested and police officers are investigating the incident further,” Assistant Chief said.

One of the witnesses Nyandago Daniel said Mwalimu was among the well-respected professional referees in the area.

“The old man has been officiating football matches here and across the country, he is a well known professional and is registered with Football Kenya Federation as a referee (FKF). I have seen him do the job for 20 years now,” Nyandago told media on phone.

Muchuka Fred who also witnessed the tragic incident narrated that Mwalimu was first confronted by football players before fans.

Majority of those who flooded the pitch however thought the elderly referee was injured by a player not a fan.

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