Kano Pillars have been fined a total of ₦9.5 million, docked three points and three goals, and banished to Katsina by the management of the Nigeria Premier League (NPL) following the violent scenes that marred their 1-1 draw with Shooting Stars of Ibadan at the Sani Abacha Stadium on Sunday.
Chaos erupted after Pillars fans, angered by what they perceived as poor officiating, invaded the pitch at the sound of the final whistle.
The home side had been pegged back by a 94th-minute equalizer from the visitors, sparking outrage among supporters who attacked players and officials of Shooting Stars, as well as match officials and security personnel, pelting them with various objects.
In the aftermath of the incident, the club’s management, led by General Manager and Super Eagles captain Ahmed Musa, tendered an unreserved apology to the league body, fans, and the football community, condemning the unruly conduct of the supporters.
However, in its Summary Jurisdiction Notice issued on Monday, October 13, the NPL found Kano Pillars guilty of multiple infractions, including failure to provide adequate and effective security, failure to ensure the proper conduct of supporters, and misconduct capable of bringing the game into disrepute.
Consequently, the league imposed a total fine of ₦9.5 million on the club. This includes ₦1 million for failing to provide adequate and effective security, ₦1 million for throwing dangerous objects onto the field and at match officials, and another ₦1 million for failing to control supporters who harassed players and officials.
In addition, the club was fined ₦1 million for misconduct capable of bringing the game into disrepute, ₦2 million for the assault on Shooting Stars’ players and match officials, and ₦2 million as compensation for medical treatment and damages suffered by the away team. A further ₦1.5 million was imposed as compensatory damages, amounting to ₦250,000 each for the six match officials affected.
Beyond the monetary sanctions, the NPL also ordered a three-point and three-goal deduction from Kano Pillars’ accrued totals.
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The Sani Abacha Stadium was also closed indefinitely to the club, effectively banning them from hosting matches there for the rest of the season, or for at least ten home games, until the management can prove that adequate measures are in place to prevent a recurrence of such violence. As a result, Kano Pillars will now play their home matches in Katsina.
The decision was signed by Davidson Owumi, the Chief Operating Officer of the Nigeria Premier League.
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