Following the breakdown of security in the Nigeria Professional Football League NPFL game day-35 involving Katsina United and Remo Stars, the League Management Company has slammed Katsina United for beaching the rules of the league.
According to the LMC, there was a breakdown of general security at the closing stages of the match which interrupted the flow of the game thereby leading to the harassment and intimidation of match officials. The club’s actions, they say, have brought the league into disrepute hence punishment has to be served. “Katsina United are guilty of causing disturbance during the match the action of the club brought the league to disrepute” the league management body states.
In the statement released by the LMC on Saturday 2nd July, Katsina United has breached not less than four rules which has led to the sanction of the club. Katsina United are now fined one million for each offense which are; failing to provide general security during the match, players, fans and officials encroaching into the pitch, failure to ensure that their players and officials are well behaved, intimidation of match officials and finally, disrupting smooth continuation of the game, thereby bringing the league to disrepute.
In addition to their punishment, Katsina United are ordered to pay the sum of two hundred and fifty thousand naira as compensation to Mr Michael Onikute of Remo Stars and also, they are to replace the damaged equipment of Remo Stars which include cameras and other valuables for covering matches.
As if that was not enough, Katsina United will now play games behind closed doors as Muhammadu Dikko Stadium will be closed to fans till further notice and reopening will be subject to the club’s ability to provide adequate security.
The LMC has also made known to Katsina United that if there be any further breach of the league rules, the league management body will deduct three points as an addition to any other sanctions the body deems fit.
