Julius OkorieNasarawa United have been slammed with N6 million fine and banished to Gombe for their home games by the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).
This followed security breach during their matchday 33 fixture against Plateau United at their home ground in Lafia, which ended 3-2 in favour of the homers.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelThe incident saw Plateau United’s forward, Vincent Temitope, attacked by a home supporter.
In addition to the financial penalty, the NPFL has also mandated the Solid Miners to play their remaining home fixtures at Pantami Stadium in Gombe. The league’s decision came in response to concerns over inadequate security at Nasarawa United’s home ground, Lafia City Stadium.
The club has also been ordered to identify the individual responsible for the assault on Temitope with a view to prosecuting the culprit accordingly.
READ ALSO:Nasarawa United Risks Another NPFL Hammer After Attack On Plateau Striker
The Lafia landlords are to also submit a detailed plan of crowd control at their match venue in Lafia in subsequent seasons plus plans of implementing effective security measures for future matches before they can return to base.
As customary, the club has been given 48 hours to appeal the sanctions, which include both the fine and the banishment.
Meanwhile, the Nasarawa Police Command has confirmed the arrest of a Nasarawa United fan over the attack on Vincent Temitope on Sunday.
In a statement made to reporters on Monday, spokesperson for the Nasarawa State Police Command, DSP Rahman Nansel, said, “The individual has been taken into custody and is currently undergoing further investigation.”
Eyewitnesses blamed the situation on inadequate security at the venue, noting that no fewer than 20 police officers were present to manage the overwhelming crowd.
One spectator described the atmosphere as tensed throughout the match, adding that officials from Plateau United quickly moved their players off the field, but the situation escalated rapidly as fans invaded the pitch.
Nasarawa United players had earlier been rewarded with ₦3.5 million for their victory over Plateau United. The state governor, Abdullahi Sule, along with the commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Kwanta Yakubu, presented the financial incentive to the players.
The Solid Miners are are just four points away from relegation zone with 42 points in 33 matches played so far.
Julius Okorie is Chief Sports and Entertainment Correspondent for Prime Business Africa. He began his journalism career with the Champion Newspaper and Sporting Champion and later moved on to Daily Independent and the Nation Newspapers. Okorie joined Prime Business Africa in 2024 bringing on board 20 years of experience in writing investigative news on Sports and Entertainment. His well researched and highly informative articles on Sports Business and general entertainment are followed by a wide range of audience.
