TEAM HERALD
sports@herald-goa.com
PANJIM/VASCO: Referee Jose Dias was badly assaulted with kicks and fist blows by players and supporters of Chicalim Youth Club after the Goa Football Association Third Division Mormugao Zone play-off match against Bogmalo United concluded at Chicalim grounds, in favour of the latter.
The assault on the referee caught many off guard and the commotion spiralled in other areas of the ground with some spectators picking up chairs to attack other officials, according to sources. Lawrence Gomes, Mormugao Zone organising secretary was also jostled and hit, it is learnt.
Police arrived on the scene and brought the situation under control but not before the referee had bruises and a badly injured nose. Jose Dias was later whisked away under police protection into a 108 ambulance for medical attention.
He was first taken to the Cansaulim Health Centre before being shifted to the Goa Medical College it is learnt.
The match being crucial for promotion into the next Division of football, Chicalim and Bogmalo were tied 2-2, when the referee yellow carded a Chicalim player for rough tackling. The Chicalim captain Jose Rodrigues walked up to the referee to demand as to what was the need for the yellow card. Jose used foul language against the referee as the proceedings continued and was rightly booked with a red and given marching orders.
Jose left the pitch and the match continued. Taking the advantage of an extra man Bogmalo United took the lead for the first time in the match which ultimately turned to be the match winner.
Chicalim YC’s Sushant Borkar was also given marching orders with a yellow booking. It was all over for Chicalim YC with scoreline 3-2 at the end of the match.
As the players shook hands and wished each other while proceeding towards the dressing rooms, Chicalim YC captain Jose donning his club colours along with a few supporters is believed to have entered the pitch and attacked the referee.
The referee has filed an FIR against his assaulters. The Goa Referee Association President Benjamin told Herald that the issue was a matter of law and order and that the police must act.
“We will take up the matter with the Goa Football Association as this is a serious issue and of grave concern,” Benjamin disclosed, stating that the GFA would have to act stringently.
Aldear D’Cruz, Goa Football Association, Secretary, told Herald that he was not at liberty to comment unless the match commissioner’s report reaches the GFA. “Based on the report the Executive will act accordingly”, he said.
Police Sub Inspector, Vasco Police station John is further investigating the case.
