LMC sanctions Kano Pillars, Katsina United, Remo Stars, suspends 3 players

lmc

League Management Company (LMC).

Kano Pillars FC

The League Management Company (LMC) on Tuesday in Abuja said it has imposed sanctions against three clubs and three players, and also taken action to improve safety at match venues.

LMC’s spokesman, Harry Iwuala, said in a statement that this followed a recent wave of improper behaviour and fans’ restiveness at a few of its match venues.

“We hope this will reassure fans, players and coaches of their safety at league venues on match days.

“We will continue to enforce safety regulations and sanction every acts of violation to deter unruliness at match venues.

“We recognise that football is a game of passion and there are bound to be emotional outbursts when people pursue their passion, especially in supporting their favourite clubs,’’ Iwuala said.

The LMC spokesman said it was also in recognition of this that regulations have been put in place placing responsibility on clubs to ensure safety of all on match days.

“We expect our players and coaches to uphold the highest level of decorum and discipline in carrying out their duties on the field.’’

He said the LMC, in relation to these values of ensuring safety standards at all times and at every match venue, has reviewed a number of incidents across match venues.

“This is why we have imposed appropriate sanctions on clubs, their fans and players found culpable.

“Also, towards preventing a repeat of some of the observed breaches, clubs have been strongly admonished to ensure that their ball boys are properly trained to uphold the very best standard practice.

“They have also reminded clubs that they have a responsible to ensure that at all times only accredited persons are allowed access to restricted areas in the stadium.

“Furthermore, clubs are to adhere strictly to not selling tickets beyong what their stadium capacity can take,’’ Iwuala said.

He disclosed that Kano Pillars who were docked for violations of Rules B13.18 and C1 have been fined a total of N7.25 million.

“There are also as well other consequential fines and closure of stadium to fans until further notice.

Iwuala said the club has also been directed to identify and hand over to the Police for prosecution its match security stewards.

“They were said to have led the attack on match officials during the Match Day 18 fixture against Akwa United FC on April 9.

“The fine against Kano Pillars includes N250,000 as compensation to Dr. Tunde Akinbinu, in addition to any certified medical bills arising from the attack on him by the club supporters.

“It also includes N1 million compensation to Akwa United for assault on members of the team, in addition to any other certified medical bills.

“There is also a fine of N3 million for conduct capable of bringing the game into disrepute and deduction of three points.

“However, the execution of the points deduction shall be suspended for a probationary period of the remainder of the season.’’

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The LMC spokesman also disclosed that incidents on Match Day 15 in Sagamu by the supporters of Remo Stars have attracted sanctions.

“The offences listed against the club included breaches of Rules C.1.1, B13.18 and B13.52, harassment of match officials, access to restricted area by unauthorised persons and assault on journalists by Remo Stars supporters.

“The LMC imposed a cumulative fine of N2.5 million on Remo Stars and restriction of fans from attending three home matches of Remo Stars, with the last two suspended.

“For the harassment of match officials in their hotel rooms by supporters of the club, Remo Stars was fined N500,000 and N1million for the throwing of objects towards the field of play, leading to a delay of the match.

“The club was also fined N750,000 for failing to ensure restriction of access to unauthorised persons to restricted area and compensation of N250,000 for assault to sports journalist Kelvin Ekerete.

“A suspended three points deduction was also imposed on Remo Stars and which shall be enforced should similar incidents occur during their match for the remaining matches of the season.

“The club was also directed to organise an enlightenment programme for their supporters and which shall be attended by an official of the LMC.’’

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Iwuala further disclosed that due to violations of Rule B13.23, C18.6, C18.14 and B13.21, Katsina United was fined a total of N2.5 million.

“This included N500,000 as compensation to Enyimba International and a cost to be determined for repair of their damaged vehicle.

“The club is also to play the next three home matches behind closed doors, two of which is suspended for a probationary period lasting the remainder of the season.

“Katsina United was also placed on a suspended sanction of three points’ deduction for probationary period lasting the rest of the season.

“The sanction against Katsina United arose from incidents at the end of Match Day 18 fixture against Enyimba International.’’

The LMC spokesman added that Enyimba’s goalkeeper Fatau Dauda was suspended for one match and fined N50,000 for aggression towards a ball boy during their match against Katsina United.

“Dauda was charged for breaches of Rules C11 and C1, which included assault on a ball boy and acts capable of inciting others to commit violence during the match.’’

He disclosed also that Rabiu Ali and Murtala Adamu of Kano Pillars were also sanctioned for threatening the match referee.

“They also conducted themselves in a manner that was capable of inciting others to commit violence or misconduct.

“This constituted a breach of Rule C1 and they are consequently suspended for one match.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the clubs and players were given 48 hours to submit in writing to the decisions of the LMC.

“They can also elect to appear before a commission and for which further sanctions could be imposed should their appeals not be upheld,’’ Iwuala said.

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