Rugby: Referee attacked by unidentified mob at Ratmalana

Touch Judge Anil Mangala, who officiated alongside colleague Pradeep Fernando and Field Referee Priya Suranga in the Dialog Rugby League Championship match between hosts Air Force SC and Navy SC at Ratmalana, has been assaulted by unidentified individuals after the game. 

According to a senior official of the Sri Lanka Rugby Referees' Society (SLRRS), Mangala was attacked at a dark enclosure at the Air Force Rugby Ground in Ratmalana, well after the game was over. 

The Touch Judge was preparing to leave the venue with his colleague, Fernando, skipping the fellowship, when he was manhandled by at least six persons, according to witness. 

"He has been admitted to the Kalubowila Hospital with injuries and further action will be taken accordingly after a complaint is  made to the Hospital Police. As to what I here, this is a serious issue and Air Force, as hosts, should take the responsibility to what happened," SLRRS President, Nizam Jamaldeen stated.

The match was evenly contested by Air Force and Navy as the halftime ended 14-all, but the visitors emerged eventual winners with a stupendous performance by 43-25. 

After Saturday's (1) incident the SLRRS has decided to withdraw from all matches being played at Ratmalana. 

"We have made a format statement to Sri Lanka Rugby about what happened. The SLRRS will not officiate any matches at Ratmalana until a proper investigation is completed, as we do not tolerate such incidents. It's a shame that this happened at a place where security is high. That in a way indicates something odd," Jamaldeen added.

Ratmalana has been also the home ground to Army Sports Club, who also hires Police Park to host its games. 

Three games are left before the end of the first round of the Dialog Rugby League during the coming three weekends. 

Come Friday (7) Army SC is set to host Navy while in the final weekend, Army hosts CR&FC on December 21, followed by Air Force's match against Havelocks on December 23. 

These games may have to be shifted away from Ratmalana if authorities fail to conclude a proper investigation according to SLRRS.