Amanze Chinonye
The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has imposed a ₦9 million fine on Katsina United and ordered the club to play all remaining home fixtures behind closed doors at the New Jos Stadium, following severe security lapses during Saturday’s 1–1 draw with Barau FC.
In a strongly worded statement, the league said Katsina United were formally charged for breaching multiple provisions of the NPFL Framework and Rules during their Matchday 12 encounter.
According to the league organizers, the club failed to provide adequate and effective security, a lapse that allowed unauthorised persons to enter restricted areas.
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The NPFL said Katsina United also failed to ensure proper conduct of their supporters, resulting in the harassment of Barau FC players and match officials, while home fans threw harmful objects onto the pitch, causing injuries to visiting players.
The league added that the behaviour of Katsina United fans amounted to conduct capable of bringing the game into disrepute.
Breakdown of Sanctions
The NPFL listed the following punitive measures:
- All remaining Katsina United home matches will be played in Jos and behind closed doors.
- ₦1 million for throwing objects onto the pitch.
- ₦1 million for failure to ensure proper conduct of supporters.
- ₦1 million for bringing the game into disrepute. (Subtotal: ₦3m)
- ₦2 million for failure to provide adequate and effective security.
- ₦2 million as compensation for treatment of injured Barau FC players and for damages to the away team’s buses.
- ₦2 million for holding match officials and the visiting team hostage for hours after the match. (Subtotal: ₦4m)
This brings the total fine against Katsina United to ₦9 million.
Incident That Triggered the Sanctions
The disciplinary action follows reports that Barau FC forward Nana Abraham sustained a neck wound shortly after scoring the 69th-minute equaliser. Photographs from the stadium showed Abraham bleeding as officials intervened. The match later resumed and ended 1–1.
Barau FC claimed the player was attacked by a pitch invader. Katsina United, however, denied the allegations, describing the reports as “baseless” and insisting that security personnel maintained order throughout the game. The club has also threatened legal action against platforms that published the assault claims.
Right of Appeal
Katsina United have 48 hours from the date of the notice to appeal the sanctions.
The NPFL says further updates will follow as investigations continue.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
