NPFL issues point deductions and fines on Bendel Insurance

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

Bendel Insurance has been charged for breaching the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Frameworks and Rules during their Matchday 11 game against Kano Pillars last Saturday, November 9.

According to a statement by NPFL, Insurance failed to provide adequate and effective security leading to unauthorized persons gaining access to restricted areas to attack the match officials.

The encounter ended 1-0 in favour of the visitors, Kano Pillars in Benin City.

The Benin City-based side in the statement also failed to ensure proper conduct of their supporters, which resulted in the attack and intimidation of the match officials.

The assault on the match officials by Bendel Insurance supporters is a conduct capable of bringing the game to disrepute.

In its decisions, three points and three goals shall be deducted from Bendel Insurance’s accrued points and goals for the assault on the match officials.

The club has also been fined N1 million each for failing to provide adequate and effective security as well as failing to ensure proper conduct of their supporters, totaling N2 million.

The team will pay another N1 million fine for misconduct capable of bringing the game to disrepute.

Bendel Insurance will further pay a fine of N750,000 and compensation of N250,000 each to the assaulted match officials (Adeniyi Adewale, Anuoluwapo Balogun & Sodiq Sonibare).

Additionally, the club will also play their next three home matches behind closed doors at their Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City without supporters.

Bendel Insurance has 48 hours from the date of notice to appeal these sanctions.