Kwara United condemns attack on match officials by fans after Rivers United clash in Ilorin

The rescheduled NPFL Matchday 22 clash between Kwara United and Rivers United descended into violence on Wednesday, as irate fans of the home side attacked referees and officials of the visiting team in Ilorin.

Samsudeen Muhammed gave the Harmony Boys the lead in the 31st minute, but Boluwaji Sholumade scored a dramatic equaliser in the 90+3rd minute, ensuring both sides shared the spoils.

The match, which ended 1-1, saw fans encroach onto the pitch after the final whistle in an attempt to attack the referees.

While security officials made efforts to protect the officials, videos obtained by The Informant247 showed fans indiscriminately throwing objects at the match officials, who were hurriedly led off the pitch.

Meanwhile, Kwara United has condemned the attack on match officials and Chief Okey Kpalukwu, the General Manager of Rivers United, who also serves as the respected Chairman of the NPFL Club Chairmen.

In a statement, the club pledged to identify and bring the culprits to book, stressing that such regrettable and inhumane conduct does not reflect the team’s character.

“We deeply regret the distress caused to all parties involved and extend our sincere and unreserved apologies to Chief Okey Kpalukwu, the Rivers United delegation, match officials, security personnel, and innocent spectators affected by these deplorable events,” the statement read.

Kwara United now awaits the league board’s decision regarding the incident. The team has come under heavy criticism recently due to its poor run of form in the league.

Although the draw against Rivers United saw them move out of the relegation zone to 16th on the log, analysts warn that the team risks relegation if the poor form continues.