Player charged at umpire: Hockey indiscipline sparks outrage after Lugogo clash

Weekend Results

Rockets 3 Weatherhead 6

Badgers 2 Stallions 4

Stallions Hockey Club was in fine form on Sunday, edging out a hard-fighting Badgers side 4-2 in the National Super League at Lugogo Hockey Ground.

Brian Bayule and Alfred Agaba gave Stallions a first-half advantage, while Green Lean and Richard Ssenyonga added two more goals after the break. Badgers' Shafik Abdul and Aaron Opio scored a goal each as consolation.

Despite the victory, Stallions coach Marktum Muziransa expressed concern over both player conduct and officiating standards.

"Though we won, we could have scored more, possibly even a 4-0 result or higher against Badgers," Muziransa said.

Match umpires Innocent Ascar (top) and Ronald Oketayot leave the pitch while Stallions Hockey Club coach Marktum Muziransa gathers his players after the match on April 20, 2026, at Lugogo. Photo by Silvano Kibuuka

In the day's other fixture, Weatherhead delivered a commanding performance to defeat Rockets 6-3.

Following the weekend results, defending champions Wananchi remain unbeaten at the top of the table with 12 points from four matches. Stallions sit second with 10 points, while Badgers are third with nine. Weatherhead occupy fourth place with eight points.

However, hockey umpire Ronald Oketayot survived a frightening attack from an irate Badgers player during the heated league encounter, an incident that could have forced a less resolute official off the pitch.

The confrontation occurred in the second half after Oketayot penalised Stallions player James Mugisha for foul play. Mugisha reacted aggressively, charging toward the referee before being restrained by his team captain, Julius Seruyange.

Mugisha was subsequently issued a 10-minute yellow card and did not return to the match.

Senior umpire Innocent Ascar, who officiated alongside Oketayot, condemned the growing indiscipline among players, particularly their reactions to decisions made on the field.

"Players need to be more disciplined. Many carry egos against opponents and end up playing a rough game, which is dangerous, especially in a sport where sticks are used. Malicious hitting of the ball could cause serious injuries, including loss of sight," Ascar noted.

A source confirmed that the incident has been reported to the disciplinary committee for further action.

"I don't want to pre-empt the case, but we have a strong disciplinary committee, and action will be taken soon. Ego builds between the clubs, especially because some of the active umpires are still active players. We are trying to revert that but still lack the committed manpower," the official noted.