Bendel Insurance have been penalised with a three-point and three-goal deduction following fan violence during their Match Day 11 fixture against Kano Pillars.
The Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) also fined the Benin-based club ₦3.75 million and ordered them to play their next three home games behind closed doors.
The charges stem from the November 9 encounter, which ended in controversy when referee Adeniyi Adewale awarded Kano Pillars a penalty in the 98th minute for a handball. Rabiu Ali, the NPFL’s oldest player, converted the spot kick to secure a 1-0 victory for the visitors.
What followed was chaos. Insurance fans, enraged by the decision, directed their fury at match officials, leading to the intimidation and assault of referee Adeniyi Adewale and assistant referees Sodiq Sonibare and Anuoluwapo Balogun. Security personnel had to intervene to safely escort the Kano Pillars players out of the stadium.
The NPFL charged Bendel Insurance with failing to ensure proper fan conduct and adequate security. Beyond the points deduction and fine, the club is required to pay ₦250,000 each to the three assaulted officials as compensation.
The club has 48 hours to appeal the sanctions. Meanwhile, the NPFL reiterated its zero-tolerance policy for indiscipline and insecurity, emphasizing its commitment to safeguarding the integrity of Nigerian football.
