The management of Nigeria Premier Football League side Shooting Stars Sports Club of Ibadan has told fans to desist from any form of threat or violence against club officials as the club goes through a difficult spell on the pitch.

In a statement on the club’s official X handle, the management said it is aware of the team’s poor run of results in recent weeks and did not expect a poor start to the season.

While thanking the fans for their unwavering support despite the recent run of poor results, the management issued a warning to the fans not to engage in violence or attack on players, coaches, technical staff and other officials of the club.

“The Management of Shooting Stars Sports Club acknowledges the concerns and disappointment of our supporters following results in recent matches. We acknowledge that this is not the start we envisaged, nor the results expected by management and our supporters.”

“We sincerely appreciate the unwavering love, passion and support of our fans, both home and away, and we appeal for their continued patience, calm and support as we work to get the team back to winning ways.”
“At the same time, Management wishes to state unequivocally that the club will not tolerate violence, threats, intimidation, verbal or physical abuse against the Management and Staff of the Club, ranging from the Executive Chairman to the Sporting Director, Technical Adviser, Coaches, technical staff, players or any member of the Shooting Stars family.”

The club stressed that the fans are free to communicate their grievances on the current state of affairs on and off the pitch through the appropriate channels. It warned that any fan found engaging in any abusive or violent conduct will be banned from the Stadium and, if need be, reported to the law enforcement agents.
“Supporters are encouraged to express their disappointment responsibly and within the bounds of the law. Anyone found engaging in abusive or violent conduct will face an immediate ban from attending club matches and may be referred to the appropriate authorities for prosecution.”

The club went on to encourage the fans to stand by the club as they navigate the challenging period together, stressing that there is enough time to turn the fortunes of the club around.

“We therefore urge the entire Shooting Stars family to remain united, stay positive, and continue to support the team. Together, we will turn this around. This is a challenging period, but the season is still young, and there is much to play for.”

The statement comes after a section of fans emotionally abused the sporting director and blocked the car of the chairman of the club as they expressed their anger following the barren draw against Kano Pillars on Wednesday.

There have been calls from some fans for the dismissal of the head coach, Salisu Yusuf, over the poor run of results.

Shooting Stars are on a run of four games without a win: two losses and two draws. The Oluyole Warriors are away at Kun Khalifa on Sunday as they look to get back to winning.