22nd March, 2014
Taiwo Adelu
In its bid to stamp out hooliganism in the country’s football, the Nigeria National League, NNL, has fined Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) of Ibadan, Oyo State for the alleged physical assault on the match officials during their last home tie against Prime of Ogbomosho in Ibadan.
In a letter conveying the fine to the management of 3SC and signed by the NNL secretary, Lawrence Katken, the official match reports indicated that Ibadan fans manhandled the officiating officials before the commencement of the encounter, while the match referee was again assaulted after the game.
In view of these acts, the NNL said the host team have flouted the rules and regulations of the game and will therefore pay a fine of N200, 000, which will be paid within three weeks. Oyo State Football Association and 3SC managements have been warned to henceforth provide adequate security before, during and after their home games or face stiffer sanction and fines.
The sanction on 3SC will bring the number of clubs so far reprimanded by the NNL this season to three following the fines on Jigawa and Abia Comets for various offences which can bring the game to disrepute.