A manhunt has been initiated by the police in Tamale to locate the coach of a Division Two football club who reportedly carried out a vicious attack on a female referee named Mohammed Sakina Nasara.

The appalling incident unfolded on Saturday at the Aliu Mahama Sports Stadium Annex 3 during a match between Tiyumba Ladies and Soccer Missionaries Ladies in the Northern Region Women's Division Two League.

The coach involved, identified as Iddrisu S. Napari, is currently evading authorities as he is wanted by the police following a formal complaint filed by the referees' wing of the Northern Regional Football Association, as confirmed by findings from Joy Sports investigations. Efforts are underway to apprehend him and bring him to justice.

“The police visited his residence twice, but they haven’t found him. He is currently on the run. The Northern Regional FA has visited Nasara at the hospital, and she is in stable condition,” Tamale-based sports journalist, Sey Mubarak, told Joy Sports.

Nasara reportedly incurred Napari’s wrath after awarding an indirect free kick against Tiyumba Ladies when a teammate passed the ball to the goalkeeper, and she picked it up.

The coach then instructed his players to leave the field and would only continue the game if the decision was reversed, but the referee stood her ground.

Nasara was subsequently assaulted by Coach Napari – who is said to be known for his involevement in such incidents.

The referee has sustained various injuries of varying degrees and is currently receiving treatment at the Tamale Technical University Medical Hospital.