Hooliganism: NPFL goes tough on Plateau United, Bendel Insurance

Teams forfeit three points, three goals, to play without fans

The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), yesterday, descended heavily on Plateau United of Jos and Bendel Insurance of Benin, whose fans it adjudged to have behaved in ways detrimental to the growth of the league.

Fans of Plateau United allegedly went on a rampage after their team’s goalless draw with Enugu Rangers at the weekend, damaging property belonging to the NPFL defending champions.

The NPFL said that the sanctions after the Match Day 11 are aimed at curbing fan violence in the league and fostering a safer environment for all involved.

Specifically, the NPFL sanctioned Plateau United for failing to ensure adequate security in and outside their New Jos Township Stadium home, leading to attacks on visiting team members and match officials.

Additionally, fans threw objects onto the field, injuring an official- violations that seriously breach NPFL rules.

For these breaches, the NPFL imposed three-point and three-goal deduction on Plateau United as punishment. The club also faces a fine totalling N4 million: N2 million for inadequate security and object-throwing incidents, and N2 million for failure to control supporters’ behaviour. They must also pay N250, 000 each in compensation to the injured match official, and Rangers player, Daniel Onyia.

They will also cover repair costs for the Rangers’ damaged bus and other verified losses. In addition, Plateau United’s next three home games at New Jos Stadium will be held without spectators.

For Bendel Insurance, who were also charged with rule breaches following their Match Day 11 game 0-1 loss to Kano Pillars at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin, on November 9, the NPFL said the club allowed unauthorised individuals to assault match officials, adding that fan behaviour contributed to intimidation and violence.

For such breaches, Bendel Insurance will also face a three-point and three-goal deduction and a total fine of N3.75 million, which includes N2 million for security failures, and misconduct; N1 million for bringing the game into disrepute, and N750, 000 as compensation for the assaulted officials.

Their next three home games at Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, in Benin City, will also occur behind closed doors.

THE NPFL said the clubs have 48 hours to appeal the decision.