VIDEO: Watch how angry supporters stormed pitch during Anguinama Cup in Eswatini to assault referee

A Round of 16 encounter in the Anguinama Cup in Eswatini descended into shocking scenes of violence after angry supporters stormed the pitch and attacked the match referee, leaving several people seriously injured.

According to African football journalist Mickey Junior, the incident followed a dramatic late victory for Hotspur over Mbabane Highlanders.

The decisive goal was scored by Luyanda deep into stoppage time, sealing the win controversially.

Supporters of Mbabane Highlanders reacted furiously, alleging that the referee intentionally added three minutes of injury time to favour Hotspur.

Tensions quickly boiled over as fans rushed onto the pitch, directing their anger at the match officials, with the referee becoming the primary target.

Footage circulating from the stadium shows the referee attempting to flee as supporters gave chase. As more individuals poured onto the field, the official was eventually overwhelmed, knocked to the ground, and subjected to a violent assault.

Security personnel initially tried to restore order, but the situation rapidly spiralled beyond control. Police were forced to intervene, and gunshots were reportedly fired in the process of dispersing the crowd. The unrest left several individuals seriously injured.

The current condition of the referee has not yet been officially confirmed. However, widely shared videos depict the severity of the attack, highlighting the alarming breakdown of safety during what was meant to be a competitive cup fixture.