Watch: Football referee attacked in Kerala, admitted to hospital

In a shocking incident in Perinthalmanna, Malappuram, Kerala, a football referee was brutally assaulted by players and fans during the final of the popular sevens football tournament on Friday, January 17. He was subsequently rushed to the hospital for medical attention.

The incident unfolded when the referee, during the sevens final between FIFA Manjeri and Abhilash FC Kuppooth, issued a red card to an Abhilash FC Kupooth player for a foul before a free-kick. As the referee displayed the red card, the player reacted violently, slapping the referee across the face.

This triggered a chaotic scene. The referee fell to the ground, and Kuppooth players intervened to shield him from further assault by the red-carded player. The referee was then carried off the field and taken to the hospital.

The situation escalated further as the other Kuppooth players engaged in heated arguments with the linesmen. When a new referee attempted to resume the match, fans stormed the field and attacked him as well

This incident highlights a serious issue of violence and aggression in sports.

The sevens football - seven-a-side football - is a highly popular version of the game played in the Malabar region of Kerala. It has always served as a launching for several talented players from the state, be it IM Vijayan, Ashique Kuruniyan or CK Vineeth.

The latest incident marked a black day in the state's football.