By Peter Omopo
Violence disrupted an Ogun State FA Cup encounter between Gaiters FC and Stormers SC at the MKO Abiola Stadium on Thursday, with a journalist reportedly assaulted amid post-match chaos.
The match, which ended 3-2 in favour of Stormers SC, was overshadowed by heated confrontations involving players, officials and members of the coaching crew.
Tensions that had built during the game escalated at full time, as players of Stormers SC were alleged to have attacked Gaiters FC’s academy players, sparking disorder on the pitch.
Amid the fracas, SportingLife journalist David Bolarinwa was reportedly assaulted while attempting to conduct post-match interviews. He was said to have been surrounded by players, slapped and had some of his belongings damaged before being rescued.
Bolarinwa described the incident as unfortunate, alleging that earlier in the match, the Stormers SC coach had assaulted an assistant referee, further heightening tensions.
In another controversial moment, a player of Stormers SC who had been sent off for a second bookable offence was reportedly reinstated after the club’s General Manager, Lekan Kelani, confronted the referee on the pitch, a move that drew criticism and escalated the situation.
Separate footage circulating online also showed Kelani allegedly assaulting Gaiters FC media officer Olayinka Salaudeen, further fuelling outrage over the incident.
Reacting, Salaudeen condemned the violence and called for sanctions, stressing that such behaviour undermines the spirit of sportsmanship and poses a threat to young players, many of whom are under 18.
The incident has sparked widespread concern over safety and discipline in local football competitions, with stakeholders calling on the Ogun State Football Association to investigate and take appropriate disciplinary action against those involved.
