By Femi Atolagbe
Katsina United have been fined 9 million naira for breaching the Framework and Rules of Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) in the course of their Matchday 12 fixtures vs Barau FC on Saturday.
According to NPFL, “The club failed to provide adequate and effective security resulting in unauthorised persons gaining access to restricted areas.”
“Katsina United also failed to ensure proper conduct of their supporters leading to the harassment of Barau FC players & match officials.
“Supporters of Katsina United also threw harmful objects onto the pitch resulting in the injuries of Barau FC players.”
Furthermore, Katsina United supporters displayed conduct capable of bringing the game into disrepute.
Katsina United will play all their subsequent home matches at the stadium in Jos and behind closed doors.
The club have been fined N1m each for throwing objects towards the pitch, failing to ensure proper conduct of their supporters & bringing the game into disrepute, totalling N3m.
A N2m fine has also been placed on Katsina Utd for failing to provide adequate and effective security.
The club will further pay N2m each as compensation for treatment of injuries and damages to the away team’s buses; and for holding the match officials and away team hostage for hours after the match, totalling N4m.
Katsina Utd have 48 hours within the date of the notice to appeal the sanctions.