By Christian Okpara

The management of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has threatened to deal severely with any club whose fans, or officials behave in a way that would bring the game to disrepute.
 
Speaking on last weekend’s fracas in Ibadan after Shooting Stars’ Week 32 game against Ikorodu City, at the Lekan Salami Stadium, the NPFL expressed its dismay over disturbing pictures and videos from the match that have flooded online platforms.
 
The league said it has convened a board to conduct an investigative hearing into the incident, adding that culprits would be severely dealt with. The NPFL Chairman, Gbenga Elegbeleye said that the investigation is consistent with the body’s zero tolerance for unsporting conducts.
 
He added: “We are not unaware of the unacceptable occurrence and have scheduled a disciplinary meeting to determine appropriate measures to deter a recurrence.

The board will consistently act to stamp out all forms of disreputable behaviours to keep the league free of unsporting engagement before, during, and after league games.”
 
Hell was let loose after Sunday’s game in Ibadan, which ended goalless. Some thugs, alleged to be Shooting Stars’ supporters, reportedly descended on the match officials, whom they accused of biased officiating, and also beat up some players and officials of Ikorodu City.
 
The disciplinary board, according to the NPFL, will allow all the parties to explain their side of the story after which appropriate sanctions would be meted out to those found guilty.