Warri Wolves sanctioned after supporter assaults match official

Warri Wolves have been punished by the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) after a supporter assaulted match officials following their league fixture against Kano Pillars.

The Delta State club was found guilty of failing to provide adequate and effective security, allowing unauthorised people to enter restricted areas after the match.

The incident left the second assistant referee with a bleeding injury to his nose. The NPFL said the host club’s failure to maintain proper security arrangements contributed directly to the post-match violence.

Warri Wolves have been ordered to play their next three home fixtures behind closed doors. The club must also comply fully with the closed-door directive when those matches are staged.

The league body has imposed further sanctions, including deductions that will take immediate effect and are expected to affect Warri Wolves’ position in the NPFL standings.

The club has also been instructed to identify the person responsible for the assault and submit evidence of his prosecution within seven days.

Warri Wolves have 48 hours from the date of the notice to appeal against the sanctions.

The NPFL said its decision was made under the league’s framework and regulations governing security and the protection of match officials.