They were not happy whatsoever
An Ethiopian league match between military team Defence and Welwalo Adigrat University devolved into violence over the weekend after the match referee was attacked for awarding a controversial goal.
The game was tied 1-1 when Defence attempted a shot on goal. The shot was then fumbled by the Welwalo Adigrat University goalkeeper, who then dived dramatically to stop the ball from going over the line.
While television camera angles were inconclusive regarding the legitimacy of the goal, the referee was seemingly convinced with its validity and gestured for the players to return to the centre circle.
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It was at this point that Welwalo’s players chased him around the pitch frantically, leading the official to sprint away and even grab a flag to protect himself.
The slightly comedic scene then turned horrifying when the referee was pushed to the ground and punched by a coach.
According to the BBC, the incident – which was picked up by ETV and posted on their Facebook page – is just the latest in a string of violent incidents in Ethiopian football, and has led to the country’s professional league being postponed until further notice.
The fallout has also seen the coach sacked for his role in the violence.
