KATHMANDU: In a shocking turn of the event, Manang Marshyangdi Club (MMC) President Tashi Ghale manhandled referee Bikash Mahat immediately after his club’s 1-0 loss to Nepal Police Club in the Martyrs Memorial San Miguel A Division League here on Saturday.

Ghale, also the President of the Nepal Golf Association, appeared at officials’ dugout and charged referee Mahat alleging him for biased refereeing. The ANFA officials and security personnel had to cover the panel of referees from the club officials including coach Chhiring Lopsang Gurung, who came forward to manhandle the referees and even the match commissioner.

The situation turned even wild when MMC supporters broke chairs and hurled towards the ANFA officials. Also, Police had to batton charge MMC supporters at the gate who were trying to join the scuffle. Surprisingly during the post match press conference, coach Gurung backed club president’s behaviour. “Referees have been biased in all our matches. If they (referees) don’t mend their ways, we could repeat the scene,” added the coach.

Match Commissioner Kumar Jung Thapa informed he would recommend ANFA to take actions against the coach and officials Kumar Bhattarai and Bijaya

Shahi who were involved

in the incident.

MMC coach Gurung also misbehaved with Thapa when the match was still in progress after the match commissioner barred Shahi from the technical area. Shahi showed up in the technical area where only coaches were allowed to.