Following crowd unrest at their Week 20 game against Ikorodu City in Ikenne on January 14, the Nigeria Professional Football League has fined defending champions Remo Stars N7 million and instructed them to play their remaining home games in Ibadan.
The NPFL stated in its ruling that Remo Stars had failed to provide adequate security at the venue, a failure it said led to a bloody fight among supporters of both teams.
Along with complaints of harassment and bullying aimed at match officials, the league also noted injuries to away supporters and car damage.
The NPFL also claimed that home supporters brought illegal items into the arena and hurled them onto the field, causing several stoppages and thereby lowering the league’s reputation.
The fine includes N2 million for insufficient security, N1 million for objects thrown into the field of play, and additional penalties for crowd misbehaviour deemed the harm the league’s image.
Compensation for damages claimed by the visiting team and supporters involving the team’s bus was another N2 million.
Beyond the financial penalty, Remo Stars have been told to move their house furniture to the Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan for the next season. The club has 48 hours from the day of notification to lodge an appeal.
