The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has imposed heavy sanctions on Katsina United, including a ₦9 million fine and an order to play their remaining home matches behind closed doors in Jos, following violent scenes during their 1–1 draw with Barau FC on Saturday.
In a statement released on Sunday, the league body found Katsina United guilty of multiple breaches of its Framework and Rules, including failure to provide adequate security and loss of crowd control during the game at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium.
The NPFL said unauthorised individuals gained access to restricted areas, while home fans threw dangerous objects onto the pitch, injuring Barau FC players in the process.
“The club failed to ensure proper conduct of their supporters, leading to the harassment of Barau FC players and match officials,” the NPFL stated.
“Furthermore, Katsina United supporters displayed conduct capable of bringing the game into disrepute.”
The disciplinary committee imposed several penalties:
- ₦3 million for fans’ misconduct, throwing objects, and bringing the league into disrepute.
- ₦2 million for failure to provide effective security.
- ₦4 million as compensation for medical treatment of injured players, damages to the away team’s buses, and for detaining match officials and the visiting team after the game.
In total, Katsina United were fined ₦9 million, and the NPFL ordered that all their subsequent home fixtures be held at the New Jos Stadium without spectators.
The club has been given 48 hours to appeal the decision.
The sanctions stem from a disturbing incident in which Barau FC player Nana Abraham sustained a neck injury after being attacked by fans following his team’s equaliser in the 69th minute. The situation caused chaos in the stands before security officials managed to restore order, and the match eventually ended 1–1.
Before the NPFL verdict, Katsina United denied reports of violence and injuries. The club’s media director, Nasir Gide, described the claims as “entirely baseless,” alleging they were aimed at tarnishing the club’s reputation.
“At no point during the match did any supporter gain access to the main pitch,” Gide said. “Katsina United remains committed to professionalism, discipline, and fair play both on and off the field.”
He added that the club had demanded retractions from platforms that published the report and threatened legal action if corrections were not made.
Saturday’s incident is the latest in a string of violent episodes in the NPFL. 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 league match against Shooting Stars.
