Juapong Juantex and Aflao Royals Game

Ho, May 18, GNA - The Volta Region Middle League Football finale between Juapong Juantex and Aflao Royals turned into a display of punching skills after a player of Royals punched the referee sending him on to the turf.

The action of the players was in reaction to a second goal awarded against them by the referee and when Class One Referee, I.O.Y. Akrade of Hohoe managed to get up he also threw some wild punches to ward off the aggrieved players who were surging forward to attack him.

The security team made of the Police and Military reacted swiftly and managed to arrest Bright Kpakpo, a Royals defender who was identified as the attacker.

The incident happened in the 30th of the second half and play was therefore held up for about 15 minutes. After order was restored, the referee spotted Kpakpo among the players wearing another jersey and he was subsequently shown the red card.

Some pockets of fighting continued among the spectators on the edge of the turf with the security men struggling hard to maintain law and order.

Juantex eventually won the game 2-0 as they were tactically superior and created more chances upfront scoring their first goal in the sixth minute of the first half.

The second goal which led to the hold-up, was scored by Emmanuel Aidoo, who pounced on the ball close to the 18 yards box and acrobatically did a quick turn to slam it home for the match winner.

Earlier on Saturday, Juantex beat Ho Barons 6-3 while Royals also beat Keta Sandlanders 3-2 on penalties on Sunday in their semi-final matches to qualify for the finals.