The league management company (LMC) has heavily criticized Kano Pillars following the ugly scenes that occurred during their Nigerian Pro Football League Matchday 23 clash with Kastina United on Saturday.
Pillars, only returning to the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano for the first time in over a year, was limited to a barren draw by Katsina United. Fans, angered by the result, resorted to violence and damaged property in the stadium, including the visiting team bus.
Although Kano Pillars condemned the violent acts and blamed them on saboteurs, the LMC announced harsh punishments for the team.
The LMC imposed a total fine of N9 million on Pillars and banished the Kano club to Abuja for their home games.
The LMC had sent Pillars earlier in the season to Mohammed Dikko Stadium, Katsina, for similar reasons after a security breach at Kaduna Stadium, Pillars’ then-adopted stadium, during their Week 16 encounter with Rivers United.
On Sunday, the LMC also announced a three-point deduction from Pillars. He said there would be additional point deductions in the event of another occurrence.
wrecked vehicle
The Sani Abacha Stadium was also banned from hosting NPFL games, while Pillars was mandated to repair the wrecked Katsina United team bus.
ALSO READ: NPFL: LMC approves return of Kano Pillars to Sani Abacha Stadium Pillars condemn violent acts
Before the LMC sanctions were announced on Sunday night, Pillars had condemned hooliganism after Saturday’s game.
The club’s press officer, Idris Garu, described Saturday’s incident as unfortunate and surprising.
He said: “We strongly condemn the act of those thugs, we are at a loss for words, particularly as this act of vandalism comes at a time when our sisterhood with Katsina fans is becoming enviable and sweet.”
The three points deducted will send Pillars down to 16th in the table with 24 points from 23 games.