In a decisive move to uphold discipline, the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has handed down severe sanctions to Kano Pillars FC, including a three-point deduction and a massive financial penalty, after a violent pitch invasion by their fans.
The sanctions come less than 24 hours after the chaotic scenes that marred the Matchday 8 fixture against Shooting Stars at the Sani Abacha Stadium. Supporters stormed the pitch, leading to attacks on match officials and players of the visiting team.
Swift and Severe Punishment
Acting under summary jurisdiction, the NPFL announced the immediate deduction of three points and three goals from Kano Pillars’ league tally for a breach of Rule C1.1, which addresses the assault of an away team and match officials.
In a statement, Davidson Owumi, the Chief Operating Officer of the NPFL, reinforced the league’s stance, saying, “We will invoke the rules wherever and whenever required to keep bad behaviour of fans, players and officials out of the league.” He emphasized the league’s continued “policy of zero tolerance for any form of violence.”
As part of the punishment, the Sani Abacha Stadium has been shut for Kano Pillars’ home games for the remainder of the season. The club has been banished to the Muhammad Dikko Stadium in Katsina for their future home fixtures.
Hefty Financial Penalties Imposed
The financial repercussions for the Kano-based club are significant, totalling N9.5 million. The breakdown of the fines includes:
· N1 million for failure to provide adequate security.
· N1 million for failing to ensure the proper conduct of its supporters.
· N1 million for supporters throwing objects onto the pitch.
· N1 million for acts that brought the league into disrepute.
· N2 million for the assault on the away team and match officials.
· N2 million in compensation to Shooting Stars players.
· N1.5 million as restitution for the assault on match officials.
Match Officials Face Scrutiny
In a related development, the NPFL has also taken action concerning the match officials involved in the ill-fated game. In a letter to the NFF Match Officials Appointment Committee, the league recommended a performance review and subsequent downgrade for the centre referee, Mohammed B Tuta, and his assistants, Bem Japhet and Shehu Isah.
The NPFL also requested a performance review for the officiating team from the match between Nasarawa United and Rangers, namely centre referee Ikechukwu Taiwo and assistant Usman Opeyemi Edward.
Kano Pillars retain the right to appeal these decisions, though the NPFL has warned that an unsuccessful appeal could lead to additional sanctions.
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