The Chairman of Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC), Hon. Taiwo Lekan Salami, has clarified the club’s recent statement warning against acts capable of causing violence whenever match results do not go as expected, insisting that the measure was not intended to threaten or silence supporters.
Salami made the clarification on Tuesday during a sports programme on a radio station in Ibadan, following criticism from some supporters on the club’s official social media platforms over the statement, which warned that penalties would be imposed on offenders.
According to the chairman, the management’s position was informed by concerns that a few individuals with ulterior motives could exploit disappointing results to foment trouble at the stadium.
He explained that the club valued its supporters and had no intention of undermining their importance or denying them the right to express their opinions. However, he stressed the need to maintain a safe and peaceful atmosphere during matches, particularly amid the ongoing political campaign season.
“The statement issued by the management was never meant to threaten the fans. There are very few dissidents who have ulterior motives and may come to the stadium with the aim of using such situations to cause violence,” Salami said.
He warned that continued incidents of misconduct could jeopardise the club’s reputation, noting that Shooting Stars supporters were adjudged the best and friendliest fans in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) last season.
Salami said the management was determined to preserve the honour and urged supporters to remain disciplined, regardless of the outcome of matches.
He recalled that the club had embarked on extensive sensitisation campaigns last season to promote safety and peaceful conduct among fans. The campaign, he said, included the placement of signposts on perimeter fences and the scoreboard, as well as radio announcements reminding supporters of their responsibilities on match days.
“Safety for one is safety for all,” he said, adding that the introduction of penalties for offenders was part of the club’s efforts to comply with relevant regulatory requirements and ensure a secure matchday environment.
Salami added that the management will not wait until the hammer of the NPFL falls on the team which might be playing behind closed doors, with heavy fines, banishment from home ground or even point and goals deduction before taking action.
The chairman also acknowledged that Shooting Stars’ achievements last season were the result of a collective effort involving the management, coaching crew, supporters, and the media.
Salami also shed light on the management’s decision to part ways with former head coach Aweroro and appoint experienced tactician Salisu Yusuf as his replacement.
He explained that he had held a one-on-one meeting with Aweroro to communicate his long-term ambition for the club following its third-place finish last season, which secured continental qualification.
According to him, the club’s next objective is to move beyond securing a continental ticket and challenge for the NPFL title.
The chairman said he believed Aweroro’s coaching pedigree might not be sufficient to meet the club’s new ambitions, prompting him to advise the coach to resign so that a tactician with greater technical experience could be brought in to help realise the club’s aspirations.
Salami maintained that the decision was driven by the desire to strengthen the team and improve its competitiveness rather than undermine the contribution of the former coach.
The chairman, however, assures fans of better results, saying despite the concerns surrounding the team’s recent performances, he expressed confidence that results would improve with the cooperation of all stakeholders.
He called on supporters to continue backing the team, stressing that unity, discipline and collective commitment would be crucial to achieving the club’s objectives for the season.
The chairman reaffirmed the management’s determination to build on last season’s achievements while pursuing the ultimate ambition of winning the league title.
Packaged by Olanrewaju Agiri
