Rizière Condemns Crowd Violence After Defeat to Bafmeng Ended in Chaos

By Angu Lesley

Football Writer,kick442.com-Cameroon

Rizière du Noun FC has strongly condemned the crowd disturbances that marred the end of their 1-0 defeat to Bafmeng United in a crucial Matchday Four fixture of the 2026 National Interpools.

The Group A encounter at the Mbankomo CAF Excellence Centre was interrupted for 23 minutes after assistant referee Meyong Bienvenu reported being struck by projectiles thrown from the stands. Referee Abdoul Razack halted play in the 48th minute before the match eventually resumed and was completed.

Bafmeng United secured all three points thanks to Ebua Dieudonne’s 38th-minute goal, a result that boosted their promotion hopes.

Tensions escalated again after the final whistle when spectators invaded the pitch and confronted referee Abdoul Razack over a series of controversial officiating decisions. The two assistant referees, Terry Lucas and Meyong Bienvenu, had already left the field before the crowd reached the centre referee.

In a statement released after the incident, Rizière du Noun distanced itself from those involved, insisting the individuals responsible were neither official supporters nor members of the club.

“We condemn in the strongest possible terms the pitch invasion and the disturbances that followed the final whistle,” the club said. “The individuals involved are in no way official supporters or members of the Rizière FC community. They are sympathizers claiming affiliation with the Bamoun region who acted on their own initiative.”

The club reaffirmed its commitment to fair play and respect for football regulations, noting that it had repeatedly urged supporters to behave responsibly throughout the Interpools tournament.

While acknowledging that competition regulations hold clubs institutionally responsible for incidents involving their supporters, Rizière said it completely dissociates itself from the acts of violence.

The club also issued an apology to the match officials, Bafmeng United, football authorities and genuine supporters, while pledging full cooperation with disciplinary bodies investigating the events.

Rizière further announced that it would strengthen security and awareness measures for its remaining fixtures to prevent a repeat of the incident.

The Cameroon Football Federation (FECAFOOT) is expected to review the referee’s report and the match commissioner’s findings before deciding on any disciplinary action arising from the disturbances.