Boluwatife Kehinde
Following incidents of violence during Katsina United’s 1-1 draw with Barau FC on Saturday, the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has imposed a ₦9.5 million fine on Katsina United, ordered a points deduction, and shut down the Sani Abacha Stadium indefinitely.
In a statement released on Sunday, the NPFL charged Katsina United with failing to provide adequate security, failing to control their supporters, and allowing unauthorized individuals access to restricted areas. The statement added that fans threw harmful objects onto the pitch, leading to injuries sustained by Barau FC players.
“The club failed to ensure the proper conduct of their supporters, which led to the harassment of Barau FC players and match officials. Furthermore, Katsina United supporters displayed behavior capable of bringing the game into disrepute,” the NPFL noted.
The NPFL imposed a N3 million fine for throwing objects, misconduct of supporters, and tarnishing the image of the league, and another N2 million penalty for failing to provide adequate security.
Additionally, Katsina United must pay N4 million in compensation for medical expenses of injured players, damages to Barau FC’s buses, and for detaining the away team and match officials after the game.
In total, the sanctions amount to N9 million. The NPFL also ordered that all future home games be played at the New Jos Stadium behind closed doors. Katsina United has 48 hours from the date of the notice to appeal the decision.
However, in a separate statement issued by the club’s Media Director, Nasir Gide, Katsina United dismissed the circulating reports as “completely false and a deliberate attempt to damage the club’s reputation.”
“At no point during the match did any fan or supporter gain access to the playing field,” Gide asserted.
He also criticised media outlets for spreading unverified information and accused Barau FC of contributing to the false narrative that could harm the club’s image and the growth of football in Katsina State and Nigeria at large.
According to Gide, the club has demanded an official retraction and a public apology from the media platform involved.
“Katsina United Football Club remains firmly committed to professionalism, discipline, and fair play both on and off the pitch,” he added.
Despite the denials, tension reportedly erupted during the Saturday encounter when Barau FC’s Nana Abraham sustained a neck injury after an alleged attack by angry fans.
Barau FC confirmed the incident on their official X (formerly Twitter) handle, posting:
“70′ The match is temporarily suspended following an attack on Barau FC player, Nana Abraham. Katsina United | 1-1 | Barau FC.”
