Abia Warriors and Rangers International have been charged for breaching #NPFL24 Framework & Rules following the poor conduct of some of their officials in the course of their Matchday 10 Oriental Derby on Sunday at the Umuahia Township Stadium.
Officials from both teams brought the game to disrepute after some Abia Warriors officials, in an aggressive manner, prevented the away team (Rangers) from gaining access to the pitch before the match. A resulting violent reaction from Rangers officials led to violent scenes, which is an act of misconduct under the Nigeria Premier Football League.
Abia Warriors failed to provide adequate security to Rangers before the match, which resulted in a physical combat involving some of their officials.
An Abia Warriors official also prevented an NPFL official broadcast partner from recording a pre-match event, harassed the official broadcast partner’s media crew and seized the mobile device of StarTimes regional manager.
As such, the club has been fined N1 million for misconduct capable of bringing the game to disrepute, with an additional fine of N1 million for their failure to provide adequate and effective security.
The Umuahia-based club were further slammed N2 million for restraining NPFL broadcast partners from recording as they were also ordered to identify and produce the official involved in the act of misconduct for additional sanctions.
Meanwhile, a fine of N1 million was imposed on Rangers International for misconduct. The Flying Antelopes bringing were also ordered to identify and produce their officials involved in the act of misconduct for further sanctions.
Abia Warriors was issued a warning against preventing visiting teams from accessing the field of play before any subsequent match, while both clubs were warned of facing heavier sanctions if similar act of misconduct recurs.
Both Abia Warriors and Rangers International have 48 hours from the date of notice to appeal the sanctions.
Centre-back, Collins Nwoburuoke’s strike gave Abia Warriors a 1-0 victory over their Oriental Derby rival Rangers International, in the encounter.
