The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has slapped Katsina United with a total fine of N9 million and mandated that all remaining home games be played behind closed doors at the New Jos Stadium following violent incidents during their 1–1 draw with Barau FC on Saturday.
In a statement on Sunday, the NPFL cited multiple breaches of its Framework and Rules, including inadequate security and failure to control supporters. The league said unauthorized individuals gained access to restricted areas, and fans hurled harmful objects at Barau FC players, causing injuries.
“The club failed to ensure proper conduct of their supporters, leading to harassment of Barau FC players and match officials,” the league said. “Furthermore, Katsina United supporters displayed conduct capable of bringing the game into disrepute.”
The sanctions were broken down as follows:
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N3 million for throwing objects, misconduct, and tarnishing the league’s image.
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N2 million for failing to provide effective security.
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N4 million for medical treatment of injured players, damage to Barau FC’s buses, and detaining visiting players and officials after the match.
The disciplinary action follows reports that Barau FC player Nana Abraham sustained a neck injury after being attacked by supporters shortly after his team equalized in the 69th minute. Photos circulated by Barau FC showed Abraham bleeding as officials intervened to restore order. The game eventually resumed and ended in a 1–1 draw.
Katsina United, however, denied reports of violence and injuries. In a statement, the club’s media director, Nasir Gide, called the allegations “entirely baseless,” insisting that security personnel maintained order throughout the match.
“At no point did any supporter gain access to the main pitch,” Gide said. He added that the club has demanded retractions from platforms that published the reports and warned of potential legal action if corrections are not made.
This latest incident comes just weeks after the NPFL sanctioned Kano Pillars for a similar pitch invasion following a late equalizer against Shooting Stars in October, highlighting ongoing concerns over fan violence in the league.
Katsina United have 48 hours from the date of the notice to appeal the NPFL’s decision.