The NPFL board has passed its judgment on the abandoned match day 35 Oriental Derby fixture between Rangers and Enyimba in Enugu, www.aclsports.com reports.
The two oriental clubs have now been handed hefty fines following the review of the official match report of the NPFL game at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium on Sunday. It will be recalled that the game was disrupted in the final minute of stoppage time after a penalty was awarded to the home side.
As contained in a statement by the NPFL, Enugu Rangers was fined the sum of ₦2million for over-ticketing and another ₦1million for failing to provide adequate security. In addition, there is another ₦1million for failure to ensure the restriction of access by unauthorized persons to all restricted areas and another ₦1million for failure to implement effective crowd control measures.
On Enyimba’s part, they were fined a total of ₦15million for various offenses during the game. ₦5million fine for the disruption of a live broadcast, ₦1million fine for failing to ensure the proper conduct of their team, ₦1million fine for throwing objects onto the field of play, and another ₦1million fine for encroachment onto the field of play. In addition, a ₦2million fine for causing the disruption and discontinuation of the match.
Furthermore, an order to award three goals and three points to Rangers was given because of Enyimba’s alleged refusal to allow the penalty awarded to be taken. A follow-up order was also given to the defending champions to identify some of their players – Eze Ekwutoziam, Chibuike Nwaiwu, and Elijah Akanni – who were involved in the melee.
As contained in the statement, the fines must be paid within seven working days. The clubs have 48 hours to respond in writing, either accepting the decisions or electing to be tried by the NFF Disciplinary Committee.
