In a stern response to incidents of assault during Day Six matches of Conference B, the Nigeria National League (NNL) has imposed substantial fines on Crown Football Club of Ogbomosho and Ikorodu City of Lagos.
Both teams are to pay One Million Naira each for their offences, which contravened the league’s regulations outlined in article 27.1.3 of the NNL rule book.
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Crown FC’s General Manager, Olamide Ilupeju, found himself in hot water after encroaching onto the playing pitch following Crown FC’s match against Solution FC of Awka.
The encounter concluded with a 1-0 victory for the home side. Ilupeju directed verbal assaults at the centre referee, threatening and vowing to take matters into his own hands.
The situation escalated to the point where intervention from Anambra State Football Association Executives and security operatives was necessary to defuse the tension.
Meanwhile, Ikorodu City faced allegations of assault and hooliganism at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, Lagos, following their Day six fixture against Tradesafe FC.
Supporters of Ikorodu City reportedly hurled missiles at the home team players and bench. Swift action from security agents prevented further escalation.
In addition to the One Million Naira fines imposed on both teams for breaching the rule book, the General Manager of Crown FC, Mr. Ilupeju, and Ikorodu City Supporters have received a final warning to refrain from engaging in any unsportsmanlike conduct. Failure to adhere to this warning may result in even harsher sanctions.
The NNL has instructed both clubs to settle their fines by the 6th of January, 2024, the date of their next scheduled games.
The league authorities are sending a clear message that such acts of misconduct will not be tolerated, emphasizing the need for clubs to uphold the principles of fair play and respect on and off the pitch.