IMC hammer falls heavily on Bayelsa United

The Interim Management Committee (IMC) of the Nigeria Premier Football League has rained down heavily on newly-promoted Bayelsa United following incidents from their NPFL23 Matchday Five encounter with Doma United in Yenagoa. The club becomes the first to receive the sanctions promised by the committee before the commencement of the season.

During the 1-1 draw between both sides, a Bayelsa United fan attacked an assistant referee, Ojeleye Ebenezer, as was detailed in the referee’s report. Following investigations, the IMC decided to punish the club by docking them three points and three goals from their accumulated total.

Further sanctions include a fine of #1 million and another of #500,000 for failure to secure the unauthorised access areas. The club was also ordered to pay #250,000 to the affected referee as compensation for the assault. The fan in question, who was immediately apprehended, will also be charged to court and prosecuted for his violent behaviour.

In a separate development, the Maiduguri Township Stadium has been closed to fans by the IMC following the incident of violence against Bendel Insurance players in their NPFL clash yesterday. The fans hurled projectiles at the opposition players in the first half, leading to the club getting sanctioned with behind-closed-door games indefinitely.