Katsina United have been hit with heavy sanctions by the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) following violent scenes that marred their 1–1 draw against Barau FC at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium on Saturday.
The league’s disciplinary committee announced on Sunday that the club would pay a total fine of ₦9 million and play all remaining home fixtures behind closed doors in Jos, citing serious breaches of its Framework and Rules.
According to the NPFL, Katsina United were guilty of failing to ensure adequate security, losing control of their supporters, and allowing unauthorised individuals access to restricted areas during the heated encounter.
The league also noted that missiles were thrown from the stands, resulting in injuries to Barau FC players and officials.
“The club failed to ensure the proper conduct of their supporters, leading to the harassment of Barau FC players and match officials,” the NPFL said in its official statement.
“Such behaviour is unacceptable and brings the game into disrepute.”
Breakdown of the Sanctions
Under the league’s ruling, Katsina United were penalised as follows:
* ₦3 million for the misconduct of supporters and throwing of objects.
* ₦2 million for failing to provide effective security.
* ₦4 million as compensation to Barau FC for medical expenses, bus repairs, and damages sustained by players and staff.
The NPFL further ordered that all of Katsina United’s remaining home games this season be played at the New Jos Stadium and without spectators. The club has been given 48 hours to appeal the decision.
Incident Sparked by Equaliser
Tensions reportedly escalated in the 69th minute after Barau FC’s Nana Abraham scored the equaliser. Moments later, violence erupted in the stands, with objects hurled toward the pitch.
Abraham suffered a neck injury during the chaos, and photos shared by Barau FC showed him bleeding as officials and security personnel struggled to restore calm. The match eventually resumed and ended 1–1.
Katsina United Deny Wrongdoing
In response to the sanctions, Katsina United strongly denied any acts of violence, describing the reports as “entirely baseless.”
The club’s media director, Nasir Gide, issued a statement insisting that security personnel maintained control throughout the match.
“At no point did any supporter gain access to the main pitch,” Gide said. “Katsina United remains committed to professionalism, discipline, and fair play on and off the field.”
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He further accused certain media outlets of attempting to tarnish the club’s image and warned that legal action could follow if the reports were not retracted.
Second Fan Violence Case in Weeks
The incident marks the second major outbreak of crowd trouble in the NPFL this season. Just weeks earlier, Kano Pillars were fined ₦9.5 million, docked points, and had the Sani Abacha Stadium closed indefinitely after fans invaded the pitch during a 2–2 draw with Shooting Stars.
With two major incidents in as many weeks, the NPFL says it is intensifying efforts to clamp down on hooliganism and ensure that Nigerian football venues remain safe for players, officials, and fans alike.
