IMC dock Remo Stars points for assaulting NPFL referees against Gombe United

By Wale Mustapha

The Interim Management Committee on Wednesday deducted three points and three goals from Remo Stars after an assault on match official, Referee Ndubuisi in Sunday’s Nigeria Premier Football League tie against Gombe United.

The Group A match between Remo Stars and Gombe United which eventually ended goalless had to be concluded on Monday as the match officials refused to continue the game following an assault from an the home team at half time.

In its summary jurisdiction signed by Davidson Owumi, the IMC Head of Operations said the sanctions followed review of the official match report, confirmed that Remo Stars breached of Rules B8.21, B13.21, C11 and B13.52.

“For breach of Rule B8.21 which is failure to adequately secure match officials before, during and after the match leading to the assault on one of them, the club was fined ₦500,000 and also directed to pay ₦250,000 to the said Official, Ukah Ndubuisi as compensation,” the verdict read.

“While for Rules C.11 breach, three points and three goals was ordered to be deducted from the total points and goals accrued to the club for the assault on the match official while Ekene Adams identified as the attacker has been banned from all NPFL activities for the rest of the season.

“Remo Stars is also to ensure diligent prosecution in the law court, of Mr. Adams who is the Club’s General Manager. The Club was also found to have breached Rule B13.21 for disturbances and disruptions which led to the discontinuation of a league match. The club was fined ₦500,000.”

The Ikenne based club was also found in breach of Rule B13.52 in that it failed to ensure the restriction of access by unauthorized persons to all restricted areas, which resulted in the assault of a match official.

Remo Stars was reminded that in accordance with Rule C.26, that it is required in writing within 48 hours of the date of the notice, to submit to the ruling of the IMC or elect to appear before a Disciplinary Panel.

The league body asked that the fines are to be paid within seven working days.