Fans’ attack on player: NPFL fines Katsina United ₦9m, bans home games

The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has fined Katsina United Football Club ₦9 million and ordered the team to play all remaining home matches this season behind closed doors at the New Jos Stadium in Plateau State.

The sanction follows the violent conduct of the club’s supporters during their Matchday 12 encounter with Barau FC on Saturday.

Fans of Katsina United invaded the pitch and attacked Barau FC player, Nana Abraham, inflicting a neck injury shortly after Orji Kalu equalised in the 69th minute to make the score 1–1.

The incident threw the game into disarray, forcing the referee to suspend play as security operatives worked to restore calm.

In a statement released on Sunday, the NPFL found Katsina United guilty of multiple breaches of the league’s framework and regulations.

The league said the club failed to provide adequate and effective security, which allowed unauthorised individuals to gain access to restricted areas, and also failed to ensure the proper conduct of its supporters, leading to the harassment of Barau FC players and match officials.

According to the NPFL, the club’s supporters also threw harmful objects onto the pitch, resulting in injuries and conduct capable of bringing the game into disrepute.

Consequently, Katsina United were fined ₦3 million for throwing objects, failing to control their supporters, and bringing the league into disrepute.

An additional ₦2 million fine was imposed for failing to provide adequate security.

The club was further ordered to pay ₦2 million each as compensation for the treatment of injured Barau FC players, for damages to the away team’s buses, and for detaining match officials and visiting players for hours after the match.

This brought the total sanctions to ₦9 million.

As part of the disciplinary measures, the NPFL directed that all remaining home fixtures of Katsina United be played at the New Jos Stadium in Plateau State without fans in attendance.

The club has been given 48 hours from the date of the ruling to appeal the decision if it wishes to challenge the sanctions.