TheCable

The board of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has imposed a fine of N7 million on Gombe United over a string of rule breaches during their match against Kano Pillars on Sunday.

According to a statement on the league’s website, the Savannah Scorpions were charged with violating three rules from the NPFL framework during their 5-2 loss to Pillars at the Pantami stadium in Gombe.

NPFL said the rule breaches range from “disruption of the match by fans throwing objects onto the field of play, to disruption of the live broadcast of the match and failure to provide adequate and effective security”.

The club’s fans are also banned from their next home game at the Pantami stadium.

Another development, Niger Tornadoes were also charged with breaching rules B8.21, C9 and C1.1 of the NPFL framework during their match against Akwa United on matchday 10.

Consequently, the club was handed N3 million and an additional N250,000 as compensatory payment to Ahmad Rabiu, the centre referee.

Tornadoes must also play their next three home games behind closed doors at the Ahmadu Bello stadium.

“The sanctions include a fine of ₦1million for failure to provide adequate and effective security for match officials,” the statement reads.

“Another fine of ₦1million for failure to ensure the proper conduct of its officials (stewards/security personnel). There was a third fine of ₦ 1 million for misconduct and a ₦250,000 compensatory payment to referee (Ahmad Rabiu from Kano State Referees Council) for losses resulting from the harassment.

“The Ahmadu Bello Stadium, home ground of Niger Tornadoes, has been ordered closed to fans for the next three home fixtures of the club.”

Katsina United were also fined N1 million over the inappropriate display of the surname of a player — Ibrahim Yahay — with jersey No. 27 during their match against Sporting Lagos on Sunday.

Masudu Lawal, the club’s kit manager, was issued a year ban from NPFL-related activities over misconduct.