by Okoeguale Adolor
Highflying Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) newcomers, Ikorodu City, have been fined N3 million and ordered to play their next two home matches behind closed doors.
The sanctions follow unruly scenes during Sunday’s Southwest derby against Remo Stars at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos. The match, which ended in a 1-1 draw, was marred by pitch encroachment, leading to a physical assault on Remo Stars’ coach Sulaimon Kamil.
Ikorodu City were charged with violating rules B13.52, B13.18, and C9 of the NPFL framework.
In a summary jurisdiction notice, the NPFL board accused Ikorodu City of failing to provide adequate security, which allowed unauthorized individuals to access restricted areas and assault the Remo Stars’ coach, in breach of Rule B13.52. They were also charged under Rule C9 for failing to ensure proper conduct from their team and supporters.
As a result, the club has been fined N3 million and mandated to identify and prosecute the fan(s) responsible for the assault. Additionally, they are required to play their next two consecutive home games without fans in attendance.
The NPFL outlined the following directives:
Identify and prosecute the individual(s) involved in the assault: Ikorodu City must submit a report detailing progress on this action to the NPFL within seven working days of the notice.
Comply with the summary jurisdiction or face a disciplinary panel: The club has 48 hours to accept the sanctions or opt for a disciplinary hearing.
Meanwhile, the league body has also directed Shooting Stars (3SC) coach Gbenga Ogunbote to issue a public apology for derogatory remarks he made about the league after his team’s 2-1 loss to Ikorodu City last month.
During a disciplinary inquest, Ogunbote expressed regrets for his comments and apologized for his outburst. However, the NPFL issued a stern warning to all club officials and coaches to refrain from making unsavory remarks about the league during media interviews.
