The last match of the league round of the Diamond Jubilee International Football Tournament, where Maldives played against Bangladesh, has been marred with physical altercations.
The match, disrupted by fights, ended with a 1-1 tie.
Bangladesh players reacted angrily after the referee called foul on a challenge against Maldives' Hassan Eenaaz, with the bench also protesting the decision.
Bangladesh's Ali Amin received a second yellow card and a red card for displaying his frustration. Amin responded by assaulting the referee. His team members attempted to control him.
The match later resumed after this disruption. As the match neared its end, young Maldivian forward Nassah Ibrahim Nasir had a confrontation with Bangladesh players near their area, leading to an altercation between the teams.
According to the official match report, referees had to control the Bangladesh supporters at this match played in front of 2,150 spectators.
Ali Fasir took the lead for Maldives through a penalty in the 14th minute of the first half. However, in the 54th minute, Bangladesh equalized with a penalty by Mirajul Islam.
In the 42nd minute of the first half, Bangladesh Head Coach AKM Maruful Haqq received a yellow card, with manager Mohamed Shahin Hassan got a red card at the 43rd minute.
Referee Senthilnathan was physically assaulted during the match. This led to a heated dispute between the two teams and officials, with security and coaching staff going on to the field in an attempt to calm things down.
The crowds of Bangladesh supporters at the stadium attempted to go on to the field during the altercation, but Police immediately stepped in to control the situation.
Under FIFA disciplinary code, the players who assaulted the referee could face suspensions of a minimum of 4 to 6 matches.
If Bangladesh had won this match, they would have made it to the finals. However, as the match ended in a tie, Afghanistan has instead secured the spot in the final.
The final match is scheduled for Wednesday, where Afghanistan will play against Pakistan.
