Sports
NPFL slam Katsina United N9m fine, relocation over violent fan attack on Barau FC
The Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) has handed heavy penalties to Katsina United following the violent attack by the club’s supporters during their Matchday 12 fixture against Barau FC on Saturday.
In a statement released on Sunday, the league confirmed that Katsina United breached the NPFL Framework & Rules (#NPFL26) after fans stormed the pitch and assaulted Barau FC players and match officials.
The club was found guilty of failing to provide adequate security, allowing unauthorized persons into restricted areas, and failing to control their supporters, which resulted in harassment of players and officials.
The attack left several Barau FC players injured after fans reportedly threw objects onto the pitch, forcing the match to be temporarily halted.
The NPFL described the incident as conduct “capable of bringing the game into disrepute.”
As punishment, Katsina United will play all remaining home matches in Jos and behind closed doors.
The club has also been fined a total of ₦9 million, broken down as follows:
- ₦3 million for throwing objects, failing to control supporters, and bringing the game into disrepute.
- ₦2 million for inadequate security measures.
- ₦4 million as compensation for treatment of injured players, damage to Barau FC buses, and for holding match officials and the away team hostage for hours after the incident.
Katsina United has 48 hours from the date of notice to appeal the sanctions.
The violent episode occurred moments after Barau FC’s Orji Kalu scored a 69th-minute equaliser to level the game at 1-1, sparking the outrage from some supporters. Barau FC confirmed the attack on their official X account, noting:
“70’ The match is temporarily halted following an attack on Barau FC player, Nana Abraham. Katsina United | 1-1 | Barau FC #MaliyaBoysTogetherForVictory #KatBar #NPFL26.”
Images circulating on social media showed Nana Abraham with a neck injury, as teammates and officials struggled to control the chaos.
This incident has drawn widespread condemnation across Nigerian football circles, highlighting ongoing concerns about stadium security and fan violence.
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