Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has applauded the prompt action by the League Management Company (LMC) to improve safety at match venues by sanctioning three clubs and three players.
It will be recalled that the LMC on Tuesday announced several sanctions it was imposing on three clubs and three players to ensure sanity and curb violence by fans and players’ misbehavior at match venues.
SWAN, in a press statement in Abuja signed by its Secretary-General, Olawale Alabi, lauded the steps taken by the premier league organising body.
“It was a huge and bold step towards curbing irresponsible behavior in a league that has started taking us somewhere.
“It was an action that was timely and decisive, and which will ensure we do not go on a retrogressive slope, where all that has been put into making the league attractive for football fans nationwide could be lost just because some people were being irresponsible,’’ it said.
SWAN said it was quite appreciative of the fact that LMC took into consideration the welfare of those deeply involved in helping in the league’s growth.
“By ensuring compensation for our injured members in the person of Kelvin Ekerete and Tunde Akinbinu, we are indeed happy that LMC has not failed in its duties of giving room for all stakeholders to operate and perform as their profession demands,’’ it said.
While assuring LMC of its members’ continued commitment to effective and accurate reportage of events in the NPFL, SWAN also assured its members that it would continue to ensure their rights are protected at all times.
“We will continue to ensure that our members have the opportunity to perform their legitimate duties as their professional ethics demand and in a conducive environment,’’ it said.
It will be recalled that the clubs are to pay several fines totaling over N12 million, and they can also have their points deducted later in the season if there was a repeat offense.
There were also sanctions such as playing behind closed doors and fans’ restriction, while the three players were handed one-match suspension each.
Packaged by Lanre Olabisi
