Ikorodu Utd banish to Abeokuta stadium

Struggling Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) outfit, Ikorodu United, have been order to play their next three home matches at the MKO Abiola Stadium in the southwest city of Abeokuta. The club were sanctioned by the League Management Company (LMC), which oversees the running of the Nigeria top-flight following "crowd disturbances" during and after one of their recent home matches against 3SC at the Onikan Stadium in Lagos.

 The Oga Boys were also fined N3.5 million for several offences by their supporters which led to the discontinuance of the match which scores stood at 1-1 as at the 89th minute.

 

"Ikorodu Utd has been charged for failure to restrict unauthorized persons from restricted areas during their NPFL matchday 30 game vs 3SC. Ikorodu Utd is also in breach of NPFL framework & rules for failing to provide adequate crowd control during its game vs 3SC. Ikorodu Utd further breached NPFL rules with its supporters throwing objects onto the pitch leading to the discontinuing of the game vs 3SC. Ikorodu Utd is also charged for disturbances caused by its supporters during & after the NPFL game vs 3SC was discontinued.

 

"As a result, Ikorodu Utd has been fined N750,000 for failing to restrict unauthorized persons from restricted areas during the game vs 3SC. Ikorodu Utd is also fined N750,000 for failing to provide adequate crowd control during & after its NPFL game vs 3SC. For objects thrown onto the pitch by its supporters & causing the discontinuance of the NPFL game vs 3SC, Ikorodu Utd is fined N2m," the league body announced on Thursday.

 

However, the LMC left a caveate in its sanction to Ikorodu United on playing their next three home matches at the MKO Abiola Stadium with the last two being suspended on the grounds that they show "good conduct for the remainder of the season."

 

Supersport.com understands from the NPFL Framework and Rules of this season that the league body opted to activate Rule B13.55 on the 1-1 scores as at the time the game was abandon. That portion of the rule states that "the LMC may order a League Match which for whatever reason lasts for less than 90 minutes to count as a completed fixture or to be replayed."

 

This weekend, Ikorodu United will now play hosts to Niger Tornadoes at the MKO Abiola Stadium, which is more than 100 kilometres away from their Onikan Stadium home.