Joel Ajayi
Nigeria National League has again wielded the big stick against erring clubs, with Godswill Akpabio FC of Uyo and Barau FC of Kano severely penalized for assault and intimidation of match officials.
On its part, the Uyo-based Godswill Akpabio FC was found guilty of assaulting match officials during their Matchday 15 encounter against Rovers FC of Calabar at the Uyo Township Stadium on 26th April. The match ended 2-2, but right from the end of first half, the home team’s match officials and fans started to intimidate match officials, and a player, Austin Ajibawo, was cautioned for physical intimidation of the first assistant referee. Further assaults were committed at the end of the match.
While they have been fined the sum of N3,000,000 which must be paid before their next match, Godswill Akpabio FC must also play their next two home games under strict closed-doors. They will pay the sum of N250,000 as medical bills to the assaulted match officials, and Ajibawo is suspended for two matches. The Akwa Ibom State FA is also given only seven days to identify the names of assailants or show evidence of disciplinary action taken against them.
Strict closed-doors means only 20 security personnel, seven club officials per team, 12 ball boys, 10 host FA officials, match officials, accredited medical personnel, two accredited cameramen per team and 10 representatives of the media can attend the match.
On their part, Barau FC committed the infraction during their home game against Gombe United at the Danbatta Township Stadium on April 26, from the first half, fans of the home team (which eventually won the match 2-0) started throwing missiles at the technical bench of Gombe United, which caused some injuries and led to the abandonment of the match for 15 minutes.
Barau FC has been fined the sum of N2,000,000, will pay assaulted Gombe United officials the sum of N150,000 for medical bills and also play their next two home matches under strict closed-doors.
