Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting
In order to ensure the safety of soccer fans and promote the spirit of sportsmanship, the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) slammed a N5 million fine on Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) and ordered the closure of Lekan Salami Stadium to fans for the remainder of the season after supporters attacked Ikorodu City’s team and its officials.
Recall that on Sunday, irate 3SC fans targeted Ikorodu City’s players, officials, and supporters following a goalless Southwest derby in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The officers of the Nigerian Army intervened to secure the safe exit of the away team, who were reportedly held hostage inside the stadium.
Samuel Bamisebi, Ikorodu City’s director of media and communication, stated that the team was locked inside the venue to prevent further violence from angry fans outside.
He also confirmed that one of the club’s buses, used to transport supporters from Lagos, was vandalised.
In a statement, the NPFL found 3SC guilty of three charges, which are failure to provide adequate security, failure to ensure proper conduct of supporters (resulting in attacks on opponents and referees), and allowing the throwing of objects onto the pitch.
The club was fined N1 million for each offense and ordered to pay N2 million in restitution for the damaged bus.
The NPFL also directed that all remaining 3SC home games this season be played without spectators at Lekan Salami Stadium.