The Nigeria Football Federation’s, NFF, Disciplinary Committee has issued a revised decision regarding the recent Oriental Derby clash between Rangers International and Enyimba International.
This is coming after Enyimba FC appealed against the sanctions imposed on it by the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).
Recall that the derby between the Enyimba and Rangers was abandoned after the officiating referee awarded a penalty against Enyimba in the extra minutes of the ninety-minute play.
But after reviewing the incident, the NPFL slammed a heavy fine on the People Elephant team of Abia State. The Aba club-side, however, appealed the sanction.
But it investigation, NPFL investigation committee confirmed that the match venue exceeded capacity. It stated that Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, venue of the match reportedly admited 70,000 spectators in a 32,000-seat stadium.
The Committee also established that Enyimba FC contested a penalty awarded to Rangers International in the 95th minute. The referee’s decision which led to the disruptions of the match.
It maintained that Enyimba players (numbers 10, 27, and 6) confronted the Assistant Referee, One (AR 1) following the penalty call.
“Fans further escalated the situation by encroaching onto the field and chasing match officials.
“Enyimba FC officials acknowledged the unacceptable behaviour of their players and supporters.
However, in a press statement issued Saturday night, the NFF Committee upheld the N1 million fine imposed on Enyimba FC. This is for failing to control their players, officials, and supporters during the match.
But due to insufficient evidence, the Committee overturned the N5 million fine slammed on Enyimba for disrupting the live broadcast. The Committee also threw out the N1 million fine slammed on the Enyimba supports for throwing objects onto the field.
The Committee, however, supported the other sanctions imposed by the NPFL.
These included awarding three points and three goals to Rangers International. This is due to Enyimba’s refusal to continue the match (as per NPFL Framework and Rules Article 13.26).
Also, the Committee upheld the N1 million fine for Enyimba FC’s encroachment onto the field (as per NPFL Framework and Rules Article 13.19). It also upheld the N2 million fine for the match disruption and discontinuation (as per NPFL Framework and Rules Article 13.24).
According to the Committee’s report, all parties in the case, retain the right to appeal the decisions.
Recall that on Sunday, June 9, a “controversial” penalty call deep into stoppage time marred what could have been a memorable day for the NPFL.
source: Premium Times
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