The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has imposed a N9 million fine on Katsina United for multiple infractions committed during their home fixture against Barau FC, which ended in a 1–1 draw at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium, Katsina.
The sanctions followed reports of crowd violence, including the alleged stabbing of Barau FC player Nana Abraham by a pitch invader.
Ahmad Gwale, Barau FC’s Director of Media Operations, alleged that the player was attacked by “one person from the Katsina United bench or one of their fans,” who struck him on the neck with a sharp object during the chaotic scenes.
Katsina United, however, denied the claims, insisting that no supporter or club official invaded the pitch or assaulted any opposing player.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the NPFL said the home club was found guilty of failing to control its supporters, whose unruly behaviour disrupted the match and endangered players and officials.
“Katsina United failed to ensure proper conduct of their supporters, leading to the harassment of Barau FC players and match officials,” the league body said.
READ ALSO: Davido appointed chairman of Osun State Sports Trust Fund
The NPFL further noted that fans of the home side threw dangerous objects onto the pitch, causing injuries to several Barau FC players.
The league warned that any recurrence of such incidents could attract stiffer penalties, including possible suspension of matches at the venue or deduction of points.
“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,” the statement reads.
“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 and damages to the away team’s buses; and for holding the match officials and away team hostage for hours after the match, totalling N4m.”
Katsina United are also to play “all their subsequent home matches at the stadium in Jos and behind closed doors”.
