Chaos marred the Elite One Championship in Melong on the 20th day of play, with match officials narrowly escaping lynching. This followed a controversial officiating decision during the Stade Renard vs Colombe du Dja encounter.
Despite a nationwide strike action called by the Cameroonian Football Referees Association over unpaid indemnities amounting to FCFA 300 million frs CFA, a few referees took to the pitch over the weekend in cities like Douala and Melong.
In Melong, tensions escalated just six minutes into the game when the referee awarded a penalty to visiting side Colombe of Dja. Edzimbi Patrick stepped up to convert the spot kick, giving Colombe an early lead over Stade Renard. The decision sparked outrage among home fans, culminating in physical aggression towards the referee and his assistants.
The situation deteriorated further after the break when the Elite One referee, citing safety concerns, refused to resume the second half. Heavy police and gendarmerie protection was required to escort the match officials out of the stadium.
The match ended in confusion, with questions looming over the outcome and the safety of officials in future games as the referees’ strike continues. The Homologation and Discipline Commission of the Cameroon Football Federation (FECAFOOT) now takes charge of the matter, examining the events and determining possible sanctions or decisions.
