Ifejika joyce
The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has fined Katsina United N9million and ordered them to play all remaining home games behind closed doors in Jos following violent scenes during their 1–1 draw with Barau FC on Saturday.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the league body charged Katsina United with multiple breaches of its Framework and Rules, including failure to provide adequate security and failure to control their supporters.
The league said unauthorised persons gained access to restricted areas, while fans also threw harmful objects onto the pitch, resulting in injuries to Barau FC players.
“The club failed to ensure proper conduct of their supporters, leading to the harassment of Barau FC players and match officials,” the NPFL said.
“Furthermore, Katsina United supporters displayed conduct capable of bringing the game into disrepute.”
The NPFL imposed an N3m fine for throwing objects, misconduct of supporters, and bringing the league into disrepute, while another N2m penalty was issued for failure to provide effective security.
Katsina United were also ordered to pay N4m as compensation for medical treatment of injured players, damages to the away team’s buses, and for holding the visitors and match officials hostage after the match.
The total sanction amounts to N9m.
The league body directed that all subsequent home matches be played at the New Jos Stadium and without spectators.
Katsina United have been given 48 hours to appeal the ruling if they intend to contest the decision.
The sanction follows reports that Barau FC player Nana Abraham sustained a neck wound after being attacked by fans during the game at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium.
The incident reportedly occurred shortly after Barau equalised in the 69th minute, leading to chaos inside the ground.
Pictures shared by Barau FC showed Abraham bleeding on the pitch as officials intervened to restore order before the game eventually resumed and ended 1–1.
