Remo Stars reject LMC order to pay ‘attacked’ Sports journalist

.Says Kelvin Ekerrete was not accredited  

By Taofeek Babalola

The management of Remo Stars of Sagamu has appealed League Management Company (LMC) decision that compelled their club to pay a Sports Journalist, Kelvin Ekerrete the sum of N250, 000.

Remo Stars was sanctioned by the LMC for inability to control their fans during the Match Day 15 of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) match against Wikki Tourists in Sagamu.

The Sky Blue was fined N2.5m for his fans’ intimidation of match officials, throwing of objects on to the field of play and accessed to unauthorized persons to restricted areas. They were also ordered to compensate Ekerrete with N250, 000.

But Remo Stars in response to the sanction, accepted the fines imposed for the intimidation of match officials, throwing of objects on to the field of play and accessed to unauthorized persons to restricted areas.

However, the Club Secretary, Michael Onikute who signed the letter indicated that they wish to contest the findings on the assault on a Sports Journalist, Kelvin Ekerrete, claiming that he was not accredited to cover the match. 

“Kelvin Ekerette was neither accredited as a Journalist for the game nor seated at the media tribune for easy identification like other over 15 Journalists that covered the match”, the Remo Stars official wrote. 

Sanctions imposed on Remo Stars including a suspended three points’ deduction sanction. It also included a three match stadium ban to fans, two of which is suspended provided the incidents do not occur again before the conclusion of the season. Their appeal will now be heard by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Disciplinary body.