NPFL fines Ikorodu N3m plus two-match behind closed doors

Highflying Nigeria Premier Football League newcomers Ikorodu City have been ordered to play their next two home matches behind closed doors and fined N3m by the NPFL board, The PUNCH reports.

This is in the wake of rowdy scenes occasioned by pitch encroachment leading to physical assault on Remo Stars coach Sulaimon Kamil, during Sunday’s Southwest derby between both clubs in Lagos.

The thrilling derby ended 1-1 at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena.

Ikorodu City were charged with a breach of rules B13.52, B13.18 and C9 of the league framework.

In a summary jurisdiction notice, the NPFL charged Ikorodu City for failure to provide adequate security which resulted in unauthorised persons gaining access to restricted areas and assaulting Remo Stars coach Kamil in breach of Rule B13.52 of the NPFL frameworks and rules.

Ikorodu City were also charged for failure to ensure proper conduct of their team and supporters in breach of rule C9.

The club were fined a total of N3m and ordered to identify and prosecute the fan who assaulted coach Kamil and play the next two consecutive home games without admitting fans to the stands.

“An order to identify and prosecute the individual(s) involved in the assault on Remo Stars coach, Mr Sulaimon Kamil. A report detailing the progress of this action must be submitted to the NPFL within seven working days of the date of this notice.

“In accordance with Rule C26, you are required, within 48 hours of the date of this notice, to either submit to the summary jurisdiction and the sanctions contained herein; or elect to be dealt with by a disciplinary panel”, the NPFL ruled.

Also, the league body has ordered 3SC coach, Gbenga Ogunbote, to issue a public apology following derogatory comments he made about the league after his club’s 2-1 defeat against Ikorodu City last month.

The league board also issued a stern warning to all the NPFL club officials and their coaches to refrain from using unsavoury expressions about the league while granting media interviews.

Ogunbote had been invited to appear before an NPFL committee and it was noted that during an inquest, Ogunbote expressed regrets and apologised for his outburst.