Kano Pillars at Sani Abacha stadium
The board of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has imposed a points deduction on Kano Pillars after the club’s fans assaulted match officials during a game against Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC).
On Sunday, some irate fans invaded the pitch and attacked the referees shortly after 3SC scored a late equaliser in the match held at the Sani Abacha stadium in Kano.
A couple of the away team players were also injured in the attack. Security operatives had to use teargas before the invaders were dispersed, and their victims could be led to safety.
In a statement on Monday, NPFL docked three points and three goals from Kano Pillars’ cumulative points and goals for the assault on the match officials.
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The club was also handed a cumulative fine of N9.5 million for other infringements.
“The club have been fined N1m each for failing to provide adequate & effective security; throwing dangerous objects onto the pitch; failing to ensure proper conduct of their supporters & misconduct capable of bringing the game to disrepute, totalling N4m,” the statement reads.
“A further fine of N2m is placed on the club for assault on the players of the away team & match officials.
“As compensatory cost for treatment & damages on players of Shooting Stars & the match officials, Kano Pillars have also been fined N2m.
“Kano Pillars will also pay a fine of N1.5m as compensatory damages of N250,000 each to the match officials.”
The league body also ruled that the Sani Abacha stadium be closed for Pillars’ home games indefinitely. The club will play its home games for the rest of the season in Katsina.
“The club have further been directed to produce the perpetrators of the ugly incident on Sunday & show proof of prosecution as well as put in place an effective matchday security arrangement which must be submitted to NPFL within 7 days of this notice,” the statement reads.
