A BUA player was escorted off the field by police officers after allegedly punching the referee.
Witnesses reported seeing the player being led away by police during the Vodafone Vanua Championship at Subrail Park in Labasa on Friday.
The alleged incident occurred following a decision made by the referee just moments before the final whistle blew with Vatukoula leading 16-13.
Bua’s coach Josese Bolabasaga claimed he had requested fairness from the referee before the start of the game.
“Not only the players are pressured, even the spectators and management,” he said.
Bolabasaga claimed tensions escalated when the referee made a contentious call regarding a high tackle minutes before the end of the game.
“It was due to this decision by the referee,” he claimed
This decision, he said, reportedly led to increased pressure on the player involved, ultimately resulting in the altercation.
“A few minutes before the final whistle there was a high tackle. That’s when the player got pressured,” he said
When questioned about the possibility of lodging a formal complaint with the Fiji Rugby Union, he said any action would depend on the team manager.
“I will have a talk with him (manager) first,” he stated, suggesting that further steps would be considered in due course.
Fiji Rugby Union officials at the ground declined to comment on the incident. They opted to await the outcome of an investigation.
The match commissioner is set to issue a statement following interviews with the player and referee.
