Katsina United have been slammed with a ₦9 million fine and ordered to play all their remaining home games behind closed doors in Jos after violent scenes broke out during their 1-1 draw with Barau FC on Saturday.
The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) announced the sanctions on Sunday, citing multiple breaches of its Framework and Rules.
The league accused the club of failing to provide adequate security and losing control of their supporters during the encounter at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium.
According to the NPFL, unauthorised individuals gained access to restricted areas, and some fans threw dangerous objects onto the pitch, leading to injuries to players from Barau FC.
“The club failed to ensure proper conduct of their supporters leading to the harassment of Barau FC players and match officials,” the NPFL said in its statement.
The league further described the behaviour of Katsina United supporters as “conduct capable of bringing the game into disrepute.”
Under the penalties, the club was fined ₦3 million for the misconduct of fans and throwing objects, another ₦2 million for not providing effective security, and ₦4 million as compensation for medical expenses, bus repairs, and damages suffered by Barau FC players and officials.
The NPFL also directed that all Katsina United home fixtures be moved to the New Jos Stadium and played without spectators. The club has 48 hours to appeal the decision.
Ogun voice reports that the sanctions came after Barau FC’s player, Nana Abraham, suffered a neck injury during the chaos that followed his team’s 69th-minute equaliser. Photos shared by Barau FC showed Abraham bleeding as match officials and security personnel tried to calm the situation before play resumed and ended 1-1.
Before the ruling, Katsina United dismissed the allegations of violence, calling them “entirely baseless.”
In a statement issued by the club’s media director, Nasir Gide, Katsina United described the reports as “a deliberate attempt to tarnish the club’s image,” insisting that security personnel maintained order throughout the match.
“At no point during the match did any supporter gain access to the main pitch,” Gide said. “Katsina United football club is committed to professionalism, discipline, and fair play both on and off the pitch.”
He added that the club had asked media outlets to retract the reports and threatened legal action against those that failed to do so.
Saturday’s incident is the second case of fan violence to rock the league in recent weeks. Naija News reports that Kano Pillars were fined ₦9.5 million, docked points, and had the Sani Abacha Stadium closed indefinitely after supporters invaded the pitch following a late equaliser against Shooting Stars in October.
