Katsina United have been sanctioned by the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) following violent scenes during their 1–1 draw with Barau FC on Saturday.
The NPFL announced a total fine of ₦9 million and ordered the club to play all remaining home matches behind closed doors at a neutral venue in Jos.
The disciplinary action comes after shocking events at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium, where a Katsina United supporter allegedly attacked Barau FC midfielder Nana Abraham moments after the visitors’ 69th-minute equaliser.
According to witnesses, the fan invaded the pitch and inflicted a deep cut on Abraham’s neck before security personnel intervened. The match, briefly halted, resumed after a short delay, with Abraham replaced by Hillary Ekawu.
Photo Credit: Barau FC/X
In a statement, the NPFL said Katsina United were charged for breaching multiple sections of the league’s Framework and Rules during the Matchday 12 fixture.
“The club failed to provide adequate and effective security, resulting in unauthorised persons gaining access to restricted areas,” the NPFL said.
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The league body also faulted the club for failing to control their supporters, whose conduct included harassment of Barau FC players and match officials, and the throwing of harmful objects onto the pitch.
“Such behaviour is capable of bringing the game into disrepute,” the statement added.
Katsina United were fined ₦1 million each for throwing objects, failing to ensure proper conduct of supporters, and bringing the game into disrepute — totalling ₦3 million.
Photo Credit: Katsina United/X
A further ₦2 million was imposed twice for inadequate security, adding ₦4 million, and the club will pay ₦2 million each as compensation for treatment of injuries and damages to Barau FC’s buses, as well as for holding the match officials and away team hostage — totalling ₦4 million.
The fines combined bring the total sanctions to ₦9 million, alongside the stadium ban and the order to play home matches behind closed doors.
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The NPFL confirmed that the club has 48 hours from the date of the notice to appeal the sanctions.
