The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has handed Katsina United a total fine of N9m and ordered them to play all remaining home games behind closed doors in Jos following a violent attack during their 1–1 draw with Barau FC on Saturday.
In a statement made on Sunday, the league charged Katsina United with numerous violations of its Framework and Rules, including failing to provide proper security and failing to control their supporters.
According to the league, unauthorized persons gained access to prohibited sections, and fans threw hazardous objects onto the pitch, causing injury to Barau FC players.
“The club failed to ensure proper conduct of their supporters, leading to the harassment of Barau FC players and match officials,” the NPFL said.
“Furthermore, Katsina United supporters displayed conduct capable of bringing the game into disrepute.”
The NPFL levied a N3 million fine for hurling items, fan misconduct, and bringing the league into shame, as well as a N2 million penalty for failing to provide appropriate security.
Katsina United was also forced to pay N4 million in compensation for medical care of wounded players, damage to the away team’s buses, and holding the visitors and match officials hostage following the game.
The whole fine amounts to N9 million.
The league board ordered that all subsequent home games be played at the New Jos Stadium with no spectators. Katsina United has 48 hours from the date of notice to appeal the verdict.
The disciplinary action comes amid claims that Barau FC player Nana Abraham suffered a neck wound after being attacked by fans during the game at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium.
The incident apparently happened immediately after Barau equalized in the 69th minute, causing commotion within the stadium. Photographs from Barau FC show Abraham bleeding as referees intervened to restore order before the game resumed and finished 1-1.
Prior to the NPFL ruling, Katsina United refuted charges of violence and player injuries, stating them as “entirely baseless.”
In a subsequent statement, the club’s communications director, Nasir Gide, stated that the reports were “a deliberate attempt to tarnish the club’s image” and that security personnel maintained order throughout the game.
“At no point during the match did any supporter gain access to the main pitch,” Gide said.
“Katsina United Football Club is committed to professionalism, discipline, and fair play both on and off the pitch.”
He further stated that the club demanded a retraction from the platforms that published the information and threatened legal action if adjustments were not made.
Saturday’s disturbance in Katsina comes just weeks after the NPFL punished Kano Pillars for a similar violent incident in October, when fans flooded the pitch following a late equalizer against Shooting Stars in Kano.
The league penalized the club N9.5 million, deducted points, and shuttered the Sani Abacha Stadium permanently.
