The contentious final game of the 2016/17 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) season between North Eastern rivals Gombe United and Wikki Tourists has been slated for conclusion on Saturday.
The league organizers, League Management Company (LMC) made the announcement on Wednesday night after a review of official reports from the abandoned game at the Pantami Stadium in Gombe last Saturday.
Heading into the final day of the season, hosts Gombe United had been confirmed relegated but their fierce rivals, Wikki needed the three points to avoid the drop. On Match Day, Wikki who are yet to secure an away win this season went into the lead courtesy of an own goal scored by Gombe defender Maurice Chigozie.
Some fans of the hosts did not like the development, ostensibly alleging some foul play by their team. They reportedly hurled objects onto the pitch and a part of the stadium was razed as the violence escalated.
The LMC have thus charged United for breaching the NPFL Framework and Rules.
“Gombe Utd have been charged for breaching #NPFL Framework & Rules during their Matchday 38 game vs Wikki last Saturday,” read an LMC statement on Wednesday.
“Some Gombe Utd supporters committed acts of violence & disturbances capable of bringing the #NPFL to disrepute on NPFL Final Day.
“Gombe Utd shall pay fine of N5m for repeated breach of #NPFL rule following previous violation on Matchday 19 vs Rangers,” added the statement.
The game will now be concluded this Saturday behind closed doors in Maiduguri, starting from the 1-0 scoreline and the minute of abandonment. As part of the sanctions meted to them, Gombe United will bear the cost of the conclusion for the match officials and the away team.
“The Pantami Stadium, Gombe is banned from hosting #NPFL matches for next two seasons with recommendation same should be applied in #NNL given that Gombe Utd are already confirmed relegated from the #NPFL.
“It is recommended that Gombe Utd forfeit 3 points accrued from commencement of next season in the #NNL,” concluded the LMC statement.
