The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has imposed heavy sanctions on Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) following violent scenes that unfolded during their Matchday 32 encounter with Ikorodu City at the Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan.
In a decision issued by the league’s disciplinary panel on Wednesday, Shooting Stars were handed a total fine of N5 million and an indefinite ban on fan attendance at their home matches for the rest of the season.
The punishment follows the club’s failure to maintain order and provide adequate security, which led to attacks on visiting Ikorodu City officials and players, as well as incidents of objects being thrown at match officials.
Shooting Stars were found guilty on three counts. First, they were fined N1 million for failing to provide effective security, which allowed unauthorised individuals to gain access to restricted areas and harass match officials.
The second charge involved a breach of Rule C9 of the NPFL Framework and Rules, after the club failed to control its supporters, leading to an assault on Ikorodu City fans; this also attracted a fine of N1 million.
The third count saw the club fined an additional N1 million under Rule B13.18, due to their supporters throwing objects onto the pitch and towards match officials.
Beyond these fines, the panel also ordered 3SC to pay N2 million in compensation to Ikorodu City for damages sustained to their team bus during the incident, bringing the total financial penalty to N5 million.
Additionally, the Lekan Salami Stadium will be closed to fans for the remainder of the season, a decision the NPFL says is aimed at maintaining safety and reinforcing discipline within the league.
Under Rule C26, Shooting Stars have 48 hours to either accept the sanctions or formally appeal the decision.
