(Video) Tunisian Ligue 1 Match Suspended After Assistant Referee Struck by Stone | OneFootball

Referee attacked by a fan as match halted in the second half

(Video) Tunisian Ligue 1 Match Suspended After Assistant Referee Struck by Stone

A dramatic incident marred the Tunisian Ligue Professionnelle 1 clash between Club Africain & Club de Bizerte on Wednesday forcing the match to be stopped in the 51 minute , shortly after Africain scored the opener.

The Goal & the Attack

After goalless first half, Club Africain’s striker Firas Chawat headed the ball into the net in the 50 minute to give his team the lead. Moments later.

A fan reportedly threw hard object believed to be stone at assistant referee Marouane Saad from the stands at Stade 15 Octobre in Bizerte striking him on the head & causing heavy bleeding.

Immediate Response

The match officials and the 4th referee rushed to midfield as Saad was attended to with bandage to stop the bleeding. The referee Amir Lwasif officially halted the game ending it at 1 - 0 in favor of Club Africain.

Possible Sanctions

Authorities including the Tunisian Football Federation FTF and security forces are reviewing the incident.

The FTF's expected to meet on Thursday to determine consequences. Preliminary reports suggest Club Africain could be awarded 2 - 0 win by default while Bizerte may face penalties including playing their next three matches behind closed doors.

Safety Measures Reminder

Tunisian authorities have long imposed restrictions on stadium attendance limiting spectators to 50% capacity and only allowing home fans to reduce the risk of such incidents.