A Lebanese player has been banned for a year after assaulting a referee in Beirut on Thursday.
Bachir Awasa was kicked and chased across the field by angry players and staff after issuing yellow and red cards during a second division match between Al-Nahda and Al-Salam Zgharta.
Despite the presence of security personnel and men dressed in army clothing, the chase went on for some three minutes.
Awasa, who decided to quit the job following the incident, is now calling on the Lebanese football association to change its internal laws to guarantee more protection for referees.
