NNL organizers hit Smart City with 10-points sanction following viral assault of referee

Ugly scenes from Nigeria's second division NNL, as fans of Smart City violate match official

NNL organizers hit Smart City with 10-points sanction following viral assault of referee

Jidechi Chidiezie 23:54 - 17.04.2023

Fans of the Lagos club encroached on the pitch to attack match officials in protest of a red card issued to one of the team's players, Tunde Adejokun.

Following the assault of a matchday referee by their fans, Lagos-based Smart City have been hit hard with sanctions by the management of the Nigeria National League (NNL).

The Lagos club during their week five fixture with Gateway United in the Nigerian second division failed to prevent their fans who encroached on the pitch to violate match officials in protest for a red card issued to one of the team's players, Tunde Adejokun.

The distasteful incident which was caught on video and has now gone viral on the internet happened on Sunday, March 17 as Smart City played Gateway United at the Dipo Dina Stadium in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun.

NNL slams Smart City with N3.5m fine

Following investigations into the incident, the NNL summary jurisdiction found Smart City breaching sections 16:2,16:4.1 and 26.1 of the codified NNL rule book for the season.

In response to the act, and as a deterrent to other teams, the NNL management has now imposed the sum of N3.5m and deducted three points, as well as three goals from the Lagos side.

Smart City's sanctions broken down

1. N1 million for pitch encroachment and throwing of objects which led to the discontinuation of the match.

2. N1 million for assaults on match officials and bodily harm by supporters of Smart City which led to the abandonment of the match.

3. According to Article 26.1, Smart City are to forfeit three points and three goals from already accrued points in the league.

4. Supporters of Smart City are banned from all NNL-organized matches till the end of the season.

5. A fine of N500,000 for the medical bills of the match officials.

6. N1 million fine for the replacement of lost and damaged valuables items of the match officials.

7. A further act of violence and assault by Smart City will lead to a complete withdrawal from the league.

8. The match which was abandoned with a score of 0-0, shall be concluded on Thursday, 20th April 2023, at the same venue behind closed doors.

9. The Ogun State Football Association and management of Gateway Football Club to ensure adequate and effective security measures are put in place before, during and after the match.

10. According to the NNL, the teams have 48 hours to appeal the summary jurisdiction on receipt of its correspondence.

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