Wikki Tourists Statement on Katsina United Attack Is Weak and Unacceptable
The response from Wikki Tourists Football Club over the reported attack on the chairman of Katsina United is disappointing and troubling. Instead of taking clear responsibility and showing strong concern, the club released a statement that sounded like an attempt to excuse what happened.
In their statement, Wikki Tourists claimed they were not aware of the chairman’s presence because he did not announce himself before the match. This line of defence is shocking. It suggests that anyone who does not formally announce their presence does not deserve protection. That logic is dangerous and unacceptable in football.
Security at a stadium should protect everyone, not just those who sign a register. A chairman, official, fan or journalist should not be attacked under any circumstance. Football grounds must be safe for all, whether their names are announced or not.
Wikki Tourists also said the chairman was seated on the reserve bench, an area meant for team officials. Even if that was true, it does not justify violence. At worst, he should have been guided to another seat, not assaulted. Blaming the victim for where he sat is a poor excuse.
The club further claimed that if his presence had been formally communicated, his situation would have been different. This statement is even more troubling. It indirectly admits that safety depends on protocol, not basic human protection. That is not how football should work.
Meanwhile, the abandoned twelve minutes of the match are currently being played, but the bigger issue is the violence and disorder that rocked the game. Football should never descend into chaos, and officials should never be attacked.
The response from Wikki Tourists was lame. It lacked empathy, responsibility and seriousness. The Nigeria Premier Football League must act strongly on this matter. The hammer should fall, and it should fall hard. Violence has no place in Nigerian football, and clubs must be held accountable for what happens at their venues.
