THE potential Nigeria Premier Football League title decider between Rangers and Enyimba in Enugu was interrupted this evening as the away side stopped playing after a penalty was awarded against them deep into stoppage time.
The big derby at a packed-to-the-rafters Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium was 0-0 and in the 11th minute of added time in the second half when the referee awarded a penalty to hosts and league leaders Rangers.
Enyimba felt the penalty was not justified and that the stoppage time had gone on for too long as the fourth official had indicated eight minutes.
The Aba side vehemently protested the award of the penalty and walked out as crowd trouble ensued, leading to the match being abandoned.
Before the match, Rangers were leading the table with 61 points, two ahead of Enyimba in second place.
In other matches today in the NPFL, both Remo Stars and Shooting Stars Sports Club, in third and fourth places respectively, lost.
Remo Stars were beaten 3-2 by Lobi Stars while 3SC lost 1-0 Rivers United.
Sporting Lagos, who are battling to stay in the top flight, blew a 2-0 lead against Bayelsa United in Yenagoa, conceding two goals in three minutes despite being ahead until the 70th minute.
NPFL RESULTS
Bayelsa United 2-2 Sporting Lagos
Rivers United 1-0 3SC
Sunshine Stars 2-0 Akwa United
Heartland 3-1 Doma United
Rangers 0-0 Enyimba (Abandoned)
Lobi Stars 2-1 Remo Stars
Abia Warriors 0-0 Bendel Insurance
