NPFL Slams N9m Fine, Stadium Ban on Katsina United Over Attack On Barau FC Player
The Nigeria Premier Football League has imposed a N9m fine on Katsina United.
It also ordered the club to play the rest of its home fixtures behind closed doors in Jos after violent scenes marred their 1–1 draw with Barau FC on Saturday
In a statement on Sunday, the league body cited multiple violations of its Framework and Rules, including failure to provide adequate security, poor crowd control, and allowing unauthorised individuals access to restricted areas. It said supporters threw dangerous objects onto the pitch, injuring several Barau FC players.
“The club failed to ensure proper conduct of their supporters, leading to the harassment of Barau FC players and match officials,” the NPFL said. “Furthermore, Katsina United supporters displayed conduct capable of bringing the game into disrepute.”
The sanctions include a N3m fine for throwing objects and misconduct, N2m for inadequate security, and N4m as compensation for medical treatment of injured players, damages to the visitors’ buses, and holding both the Barau FC team and match officials hostage after the game — bringing the total to N9m.
The NPFL also directed Katsina United to relocate to the New Jos Stadium, where they will host matches without fans in attendance. The club has 48 hours to appeal the verdict.
The decision followed reports that Barau FC’s Nana Abraham sustained a neck injury after being attacked by fans moments after scoring an equaliser in the 69th minute at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium. Images from the scene showed the player bleeding as officials and security personnel battled to restore order before play resumed and ended 1–1.
Katsina United, however, denied any wrongdoing, describing the allegations as “entirely baseless.” The club’s media director, Nasir Gide, said no fan invaded the pitch and that security operatives kept control throughout the match.
“Katsina United Football Club is committed to professionalism, discipline, and fair play both on and off the pitch,” Gide stated, warning that legal action could follow if the “false reports” were not withdrawn.
The violent episode in Katsina comes just weeks after Kano Pillars faced similar punishment, including a N9.5m fine and stadium closure, following fan unrest in their October fixture against Shooting Stars.