LMC lift ban on Rabiu Ali

.Kano Pillars fans back to stadium after suspension

By Taofeek Babalola

Kano Pillars captain Rabiu Ali is free to play in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) again after his 12-match ban was lifted by the League Management Company on Monday, Sportinglens.blogspot.com reports.

Ali was sanctioned for his role in the violence which occurred after the NPFL Super Six matchday 4 fixture between Pillars and Enugu Rangers at the Agege Stadium.

After the final whistle in the game, Ali rushed to the center referee and was barking at the official, who had to run away to save his his life from irate fans.

The club’s media officer Rilwanu Idris Malikawa said a statement from the LMC which was signed by the Chief Operating Officer Salihu Abubakar, stated that the suspension was lifted based on the apology letters written by Ali, Kano Pillars management and the community services Ali rendered during the suspension which indicate his remorse on what happened to him as well as being a national team player who served the country in various capacity.

The statement reads: "After considering Rabiu Ali's past record in the league, the remaining period of his ban is hereby commuted to a suspended sentence with effect from Matchday 6. Ali is however required, as part of the commutation of his ban, to contribute to community engagement & development including visiting schools to promote good virtues associated with football."

The league organizer then warned him to remains good ambassador to his team, LMC, NFF and any football activities he found himself.

The club’s legend Ali will be in action when Sai Masu Gida travels to Jos for NPFL matchday 6 encounter against Plateau United on Sunday.

On its part Kano Pillars management under the leadership of Surajo Shaaibu Yahaya thanked the LMC for considering their request to lift the ban and assured that the club would remain law abiding in all its engagements.

Speaking on his ordeal, ‘Pele’ as he is fondly called said he accepted what happened to him in good faith, urging the club’s fans to remains calm that the team would not disappoint them this season.

Meanwhile, Kano Pillars fans will return to the Sani Abacha Stadium when the Pyramid city side hosts Delta Force for the matchday 7 game after serving their three-match behind closed doors ban.

The fans were banned from stadium by the LMC for their violent conduct after the NPFL Super Six matchday 4 fixture between Pillars and Enugu Rangers at the Agege Stadium.

The club ended the three home matches behind closed doors on Sunday after their game against Wikki Tourists which ended 1-1.