The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has slammed a ₦9 million fine on Katsina United and ordered the club to play all remaining home matches behind closed doors at the New Jos Stadium following violent incidents during their 1–1 draw with Barau FC on Saturday.
In a statement released on Sunday, the NPFL said Katsina United violated several league regulations, including failure to ensure adequate security and control over their supporters. Unauthorized individuals reportedly gained access to restricted areas, while irate fans threw objects onto the pitch, injuring Barau FC players and disrupting the match.
“The club failed to ensure proper conduct of their supporters, leading to harassment of Barau FC players and match officials,” the NPFL said. “These actions brought the league into disrepute.”
The sanctions imposed include ₦3 million for supporter misconduct, ₦2 million for inadequate security arrangements, and ₦4 million in compensation for injuries sustained by players, damages to Barau FC’s buses, and for detaining visiting officials.
Katsina United have 48 hours from the time of the notice to submit an appeal to the league’s disciplinary committee.
The penalties follow reports that Barau FC forward, Nana Abraham, sustained a neck injury after being attacked by home supporters shortly after scoring the equalizer in the 69th minute. Photographs circulating online showed Abraham bleeding as match officials and medics intervened to restore order before play resumed.
The match eventually ended 1–1 amid heightened tension, prompting widespread condemnation from fans and observers who called for stricter measures to curb hooliganism in Nigerian football.
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The NPFL reiterated its zero-tolerance stance on violence, warning that future violations by any club would attract stiffer punishments, including points deduction or suspension from the league. “We will continue to protect the integrity of the league and the safety of players, officials, and fans,” the statement added.
Meanwhile, Katsina United have denied reports of violence, insisting that the match was played under peaceful conditions. The club described the allegations of assault and injury as “baseless” and claimed security personnel maintained order throughout the encounter. It also threatened legal action against media platforms that, according to the club, published “false and damaging reports.”
The NPFL’s latest action underscores growing concerns over fan behavior and stadium safety in domestic football, as the league seeks to restore credibility and ensure professionalism across all participating clubs.