The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) disciplinary Committee has handed down a ₦5 million fine to Enugu Rangers for multiple infractions during the Match Day 35 fixture against Enyimba, held at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu on Sunday.
There was a late drama at the 20,000-capacity stadium on Sunday when Rangers were awarded a penalty in the 98th minute after striker Godwin Obaje seemingly broke free on goal, only to be brought down by Enyimba’s Pascal Eze.
A controversial penalty decision by the referee John Ojeleye led to a dramatic turn of events as Enyimba fans invaded the pitch, and the players from the Aba-based club refused to continue, resulting in the game’s abandonment.
In a letter dated June 10th, and issued to Rangers by the NPFL Chief Operating Officer, Davidson Owumi, the league outlined several breaches of its rules committed by Rangers during the ill-fated encounter.
Rangers, the host team was cited for breach of Rule B15.24 relating to selling tickets beyond the capacity of the stadium and leading to overcrowding and endangering the safety of players, match officials and fans.
Based on the same rule B13.52, Rangers were also charged for failure to provide adequate and effective security before, during and after the match.
On a third count, Rangers were charged with a breach of Rule B13.52.1 for failing to implement adequate and effective crowd control measures. On a fourth count, the Enugu side was also charged for failure to prevent unauthorised persons from gaining access to restricted areas.
For the listed breaches, Rangers was fined a total of ₦5 million and ordered to implement a more effective crowd control mechanism in subsequent home games.
Following their part in the abandonment of the top-of-the-table fixture, reigning champions, Enyimba was also slammed a hefty fine of ₦10 Million and will forfeit the decisive NPFL match.
In addition, three of their players, namely Akanni Elijah, Eze Ekwutoziam, Chibuke Nwaiwu will all be sanctioned after proper investigation.
The two clubs are expected to in accordance with Rule C26, required, within 48 hours of the date of the issuance of the notice of the charges and the fines, to either submit to the summary jurisdiction and the sanctions or elect to be dealt with by a disciplinary panel.
They are also required to communicate in writing whichever option they adopted within seven working days.
Enugu Rangers are currently on top of the place on the NPFL table while Enyimba is currently are in second place.
