LMC sanctions Kano Pillars, Katsina Utd, Remo Stars over match offences

The League Management Company (LMC) of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) have sanctioned three top-flight clubs Kano Pillars, Katsina United and Remo Stars for violating several safety rules at match venues.

At the Sani Abacha Stadium last Sunday, when Kano Pillars suffered their first home defeat of the season following a 1-0 loss to Akwa United, the home fans resorted to violence, invading the pitch and chasing the match officials off with dangerous objects, while Akwa United players and officials had to hide in the dressing room under heavy police protection.

Kano Pillars were found guilty by the LMC for violations of Rules B13.18 and C1 and were fined a total of N7.25m as well as other consequential fines and closure of stadium to fans until further notice.

The fine against Kano Pillars also includes N250, 000 as compensation to one Dr. Tunde Akinbinu, who was assaulted, in addition to any certified medical bills arising from the attack by the club supporters.

It also includes N1m compensation to Akwa United for assault on members of the team in addition to any other certified medical bills, plus a fine of N3,000,000.00 for conduct capable of bringing the game into disrepute and deduction of three points.

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Katsina United were also fined N2.5m and a suspended three -point deduction for their attack on the Enyimba bus after their match on Sunday.

The clubs and players were given 48 hours to submit in writing to the decisions of the LMC or elect to appear before a commission and for which further sanctions would be imposed should their appeals not be upheld.

Newly promoted side Remo Stars were fined a total of N2.5m for various breaches, including harrasment of the referee, throwing of objects on the pitch and an assault on sports journalist Kelvin Ekerete during a matchday 15 fixture in Sagamu.

The club will also play their next three home matches behind closed doors and compensate Mr Ekerete with N250,000. They have also been punished with a suspended three-point deduction.

The LMC also handed sanctions to Kano Pillars’ pair of Rabiu Ali and Murtala Adamu for threatening the referee and conducting themselves in a manner that was capable of inciting others to commit violence or misconduct which constituted a breach of Rule C1 and consequently suspended for one match.

Also, Enyimba’s goalkeeper, Fatau Dauda, was handed a one-match ban and fined N50, 000 for his aggression towards a ballboy during their match against Katsina United.

Dauda was charged for breaches of Rules C11 and C1 which included assault on a ball boy and acts capable of inciting others to commit violence during their match day 18 fixture against Katsina United.

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