The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has imposed a total fine of N9 million on Katsina United and directed the club to play all remaining home fixtures behind closed doors at the New Jos Stadium. The sanctions follow violent incidents that occurred during the team’s 1–1 draw with Barau FC on Saturday.
In a statement released on Sunday, the NPFL disclosed that Katsina United violated several league regulations, including failing to provide adequate security and losing control of their supporters. Unauthorized individuals were reportedly seen in restricted areas, while objects thrown from the stands injured Barau FC players.
According to the league,
“The club failed to ensure proper conduct of their supporters, leading to harassment of Barau FC players and match officials,”
noting that the events brought the competition into disrepute.
The fines include N3 million for supporter misconduct, N2 million for insufficient security arrangements, and N4 million as compensation for injured players, damage to Barau FC’s vehicles, and the unlawful detention of visiting officials. Katsina United have been given 48 hours to file an appeal.
The disciplinary measures come after reports confirmed that Barau FC’s Nana Abraham suffered a neck injury following an attack from fans shortly after scoring in the 69th minute. Photographs from the match showed the player bleeding as officials stepped in before the game eventually resumed and ended level at 1–1.
This development follows Katsina United’s earlier denial of the violence, with the club describing the allegations as unfounded. The team maintains that security officials kept the environment under control throughout the encounter and has threatened legal action against platforms that published the reports.
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