The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has handed Kano Pillars a hefty punishment following the violent scenes that erupted during their 1-1 draw with Shooting Stars at the Sani Abacha Stadium on Sunday, Afrosport reports.
Trouble broke out after Shooting Stars scored a late equaliser in the 94th minute, prompting angry Pillars supporters to invade the pitch and attack players, match officials, and security personnel.
After the match, the club’s management — led by General Manager and Super Eagles captain Ahmed Musa — issued an apology to the league, fans, and the wider football community, condemning the violent behaviour.
Nonetheless, in its Summary Jurisdiction Notice issued on Monday, the NPFL found Pillars guilty of several offences, including failure to provide adequate security, poor crowd control, and misconduct capable of bringing the game into disrepute.
The club was fined a total of ₦9.5 million, docked three points and three goals, and banished to Katsina for their remaining home matches. The decision was signed by Davidson Owumi, Chief Operating Officer of the NPFL.
The fines cover various infractions: ₦1 million each for failing to provide adequate and effective security, throwing dangerous objects onto the field and at match officials, and failure to control supporters; ₦1 million for misconduct capable of bringing the game into disrepute.
Additionally, they were fined ₦2 million for the assault on Shooting Stars’ players and match officials; ₦2 million compensation for medical treatment and damages; and ₦1.5 million for compensatory damages to six match officials.
Meanwhile, the Sani Abacha Stadium has been closed indefinitely, with Pillars now ordered to play home games in Katsina until the club can guarantee improved security and fan behaviour.
