NPFL fine land on Bayelsa United over horrible incident against Shooting Stars

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

Bayelsa United have been charged for breaching the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Framework and Rules during their Matchday 37 game against 3SC on Sunday, June 16, 2024.

The topflig ssgame, which ended 2-1 in favor of the hosts at Samson Siasia Stadium in Yenagoa, was marred by security lapses and crowd control failures.

According to an NPFL release, Bayelsa United failed to provide adequate security and effective crowd control, leading to the assault of an opposing player. The Yenagoa-based club also failed to restrict access by unauthorized persons to all restricted areas, resulting in the assault of Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) goalkeeper Okiemute Odah.

The pitch encroachment at Samson Siasia Stadium further led to the physical assault on the 3SC goalkeeper.

As a result, Bayelsa United has been fined N1 million each for the following offenses: failure to provide adequate security, failure to restrict access to restricted areas, and pitch encroachment resulting in the assault of Odah, totaling N3 million. Additionally, Bayelsa United is to pay Odah a compensation of N250,000.

The club must also identify and prosecute the individual responsible for the assault within 48 hours of receiving the notice of sanctions. Failure to do so may result in additional sanctions. Pending identification and prosecution, the culprit is banned from all NPFL match venues for a year.

Bayelsa United has 48 hours from the date of the notice to appeal the sanctions. This fine poses a significant setback for Bayelsa United’s efforts to maintain their league status ahead of the final game of the season as they fight to avoid relegation.