The Nigeria National League (NNL) has descended heavily on Osun United Football Club, for acts of hooliganism and harassment of match officials, by imposing a fine of N1 million, three closed doors games and suspended two players of the team for one year for bringing the league to disrepute.
NNL also sanctioned two other clubs in the division; Yobe Desert Stars and UNICEM Rovers of Calabar for violating several safety rules at match venues.
The NNL in a strongly worded letter, signed by its Chief Operating Officer Lawrence Katken, conveyed the suspension notice to Osun Football Association and the management of Osun United and quoted Article 26 and 27 of Rules and Regulations of the competition which the club had breached by the assault on the match officials in its home match against Akwa Starlets at the Oshogbo Township Stadium.
In addition, two Osun United players Victor Okeji and former junior international, Obasi Chigozie, were suspended for one year for assaulting match officials.
The two suspended players – Okeji and Obasi, have also been invited to appear before the compliance unit of the NNL on Monday July 10, to determine why further disciplinary actions should not be taken against them.
The NNL gave Osun United until July 14, to pay the N1million fine and one week to produce physically the unidentified fans who took part in the assault else the closed doors prescribed will remain indefinite.
The Osun Football Association has also been warned to do the needful by ensuring the provision of adequate security before, during and after league matches to safeguard life and properties on match days.
Yobe Desert Stars are fine N2m and restricted their fans from attending three home matches for assault on match officials and encroachment during their matchday-16 clash against Abuja based FRSC at the August 27 Stadium in Damaturu, while UNICEM are also fined N1,887,500.00 for assaulting match officials that handled their matchday-19 with Warri Wolves at the UJ.Esuene Stadium,Calabar.
Packaged by Lanre Olabisi
