The NPFL has banished Katsina United to Jos following the attack on Barau FC during their match day 12 game in Katsina on Saturday, www.aclsports.com reports.
The encounter ended 1-1 after Uche Collins’ opener was cancelled out by Orji Kalu for the visitors in the second half. After the goal for Barau, it was reported on social media that midfielder Nana Abraham was attacked around the 70th minute, which led to a temporary delay of the game. In the end, the game finished, but it has generated a lot of buzz due to Barau’s post on the incident.
Less than 24 hours after the game, the league body has now charged Katsina Utd for breaching the Framework & Rules of #NPFL in the course of the game.
In the statement, the NPFL stated that “Katsina United failed to provide adequate & effective security, resulting in unauthorised persons gaining access to restricted areas. Katsina Utd also failed to ensure proper conduct of their supporters, leading to the harassment of Barau FC players & match officials. Supporters of Katsina Utd also threw harmful objects onto the pitch, resulting in the injuries of Barau FC players. Furthermore, Katsina Utd supporters displayed conduct capable of bringing the game into disrepute,” the findings concluded.
In the judgment, the league body said, “Katsina Utd will play all their subsequent home matches at the stadium in Jos & behind closed doors. The club have been fined N1m each for throwing objects towards the pitch, failing to ensure proper conduct of their supporters & bringing the game into disrepute, totalling N3m.
“In addition, a N2m fine has also been placed on Katsina Utd for failing to provide adequate & effective security. The club will further pay N2m each as compensation for treatment of injuries & damages to the away team’s buses; & for holding the match officials & away team hostage for hours after the match, totalling N4m,” the ruling concluded.
Katsina Utd have 48 hours within the date of the notice to appeal the sanctions.
