Eastern Province Police Commanding Officer Robertson Mweemba confirmed the incident, which occurred yesterday during a replayed match between Mikango United and Leopard United at Mchenga Primary School Grounds in Chief Mafuta’s area.
The deceased has been identified as Donald Tonga.
The match was part of the Andrew Lubusha Football Tournament, a community competition sponsored by Chipangali Member of Parliament Andrew Lubusha, with a K5,000 prize.
According to police, Tonga had been appointed as the sole referee for the tournament and officiated without assistant referees or linesmen.
It is alleged that tensions arose after Tonga failed to award a foul during the first half of the match, angering players from Mikango United and some supporters.
Police say the referee was allegedly assaulted by a group of players and fans using fists, kicks, stones and sticks. He reportedly attempted to flee but was pursued and beaten until he collapsed.
Some spectators reportedly attempted to intervene but failed to stop the attack.
Tonga was later rushed to Chamasongo Clinic, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
Police officers who visited the clinic reportedly found the body lying in a pool of blood with a deep cut on the left side of the head.
“No arrest made yet. Postmortem yet to be conducted,” Mweemba said.
He added that investigations had been launched to identify and apprehend those responsible for the attack.
Ignorant imbeciles. Football is merely a game, not life and death. May his soul rest in peace.
Hmm zambians can really misbehave they should be jailed to set an example they should be severely punished for this evil act
Hmm zambians can really misbehave they should be jailed to set an example they should be severely punished for this evil act