AFCON Final Effect: Ceramica Cleopatra Players Walk Off Pitch To Protest Referee Decisions

AFCON Final Effect: Ceramica Cleopatra Players Walk Off Pitch To Protest Referee Decisions

Sampson Adedeji

Players of Ceramica Cleopatra FC staged a dramatic protest by walking off the pitch after a controversial penalty was awarded against them in the closing minutes of their league encounter, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The incident occurred in the dying moments of the match when the referee pointed to the spot following a contentious challenge inside the penalty area. 

Furious with the decision, Ceramica Cleopatra players surrounded the match officials before collectively leaving the field in protest.

The abrupt walk-off temporarily halted proceedings, with officials and representatives from both teams attempting to calm tensions and convince the players to return to the pitch.

The dramatic scene has drawn comparisons to the controversial finale of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations Final between Senegal national football team and Morocco national football team, where disputed officiating decisions also sparked widespread debate across the continent.

Football analysts have since weighed in on the growing concerns surrounding refereeing standards in high-stakes matches, with many calling for improved use of technology and stricter officiating protocols to avoid similar incidents.

As of the time of filing this report, it remains unclear what disciplinary measures the league authorities may impose on Ceramica Cleopatra following their protest.