Following a violent incident in Jos where Rangers International F.C. players and officials were attacked by Plateau United supporters, the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) has issued a strong response, condemning the acts and imposing heavy sanctions on Plateau United.
Fans of Plateau United attacked Enugu Rangers players yesterday after a goalless draw at the new Jos Stadium. pic.twitter.com/jTucPHoCTR
— AzeeRe (@azeerenews) November 11, 2024
In the NPFL’s statement, it was noted that Plateau United failed to provide adequate and effective security at the New Jos Stadium, resulting in multiple attacks on the Rangers team and match officials. The incident took place after Rangers International held Plateau United to a goalless draw, igniting anger among Plateau United supporters. The situation escalated as objects were thrown toward the field, injuring a match official and shattering the team bus windows, leaving several Rangers players with injuries.
The NPFL detailed that Plateau United’s failure to ensure proper crowd control led to these unfortunate events, which they described as acts capable of bringing the game into disrepute. In light of this, the NPFL imposed several sanctions to deter future occurrences:
- Points Deduction: Plateau United will lose 3 points and 3 goals from their accrued season total for the assault on a match official.
- Financial Penalties: Plateau United has been fined a total of ₦4.5 million. This includes:
- ₦1 million for failing to provide adequate security.
- ₦1 million for supporters throwing objects toward the field.
- ₦1 million for failing to ensure proper conduct of their supporters.
- ₦1 million for bringing the game into disrepute.
- An additional ₦500,000 as compensation of ₦250,000 each to the injured match official, Zakari Aminu, and Rangers player, Daniel Onyia.
- Compensation for Damages: Plateau United must cover the cost of repairing the Rangers team bus and any other verifiable damages or losses incurred due to the attack.
- Closed-Door Matches: Plateau United will play their next three home games behind closed doors at their New Jos Stadium, with no supporters allowed to attend.
Plateau United has been given a 48-hour window to appeal these sanctions. The NPFL’s swift and decisive actions send a clear message that hooliganism and violence will not be tolerated in Nigerian football, underscoring their commitment to ensuring safety and sportsmanship for players, officials, and fans alike.
