NPFL denies alleged slitting of player’s throat
The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has slammed Katsina United with heavy sanctions following multiple breaches of the league’s Framework and Rules during their Matchday 12 fixture against Barau FC on Saturday.
According to a statement from the NPFL, the club failed to provide adequate and effective security at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium, allowing unauthorised persons to access restricted areas during the match. This security lapse reportedly led to widespread disorder and attacks on visiting players and officials.
Supporters of Katsina United were also found guilty of throwing harmful objects onto the pitch, resulting in injuries to Barau FC players. The unruly fans further harassed match officials and members of the visiting team, behaviour described by the league body as “capable of bringing the game into disrepute.”
As part of the sanctions, Katsina United have been ordered to play all their subsequent home matches in Jos, Plateau State, and behind closed doors. The club has also been fined a total of ₦9 million for various infractions, including ₦1 million each for throwing objects, failing to control supporters, and bringing the game into disrepute. An additional ₦2 million fine was imposed for inadequate security.
Furthermore, the club will pay ₦2 million each as compensation for the treatment of injured Barau FC players and damages to the visiting team’s buses, as well as for holding the match officials and away team hostage for several hours after the game.
Katsina United have 48 hours from the date of the notice to appeal the sanctions.
In a related development, the NPFL in another statement said it was untrue the reported slitting of the throat of Abraham Nana of Barau FC, adding the said player was hurt by an object hauled from the stands and was treated on the pitch which led to the match being halted for a few minutes.
According to the league body, NPFL Office maintains an active Situation Room with all Match Commissioners, and through this medium, we monitor and direct affairs to ensure hitch-free matches.
The NPFL said it will continue to uphold the rules to ensure fair competition and exciting League under safe atmosphere while assuring the ‘of safety at our matches through control measures put in place’.
