THE League Management Company has come down hard on Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) of Ibadan after their supporters assaulted sports journalists.
The club’s fans on Wednesday attacked three journalists on the premises of the Lekan Salami Stadium after their 1-1 draw with Remo Stars in the Nigeria Professional Football League.
“After reviewing the Matchday 31 game, 3SC v Remo Stars, 3SC have breached the NPFL rules & framework, failing to provide effective security leading to breakdown of order after their match,” LMC said in a statement last night.
“3SC also failed to provide adequate security for match officials before, during and after the match resulting in the harassment and intimidation of the referee.
“3SC is also charged for failure to contain and control their fans after the match resulting in disturbances including the attacking of a media personnel, Adepoju Tobi, an act capable of bringing the game to disrepute.
“3SC is also charged for breach of the peace agreement brokered by the LMC between the two clubs (3SC and Remo Stars) with regards to guaranteeing peace, order and fair play during matches between the two.”
After reeling out the charges, the league body announced the punitive measures taken against the club, including having to pay compensation to Adepoju, who was attacked along with Ayo Animashaun and Atinuke Esan.
“3SC is fined a total of N3m plus a N500,000 compensation to Adepoju for lost valuables and medical bills. Lekan Salami Stadium, Ibadan is closed to fans for the remaining fixtures of the season while a further breach will lead to the club being banished to a neutral ground,” LMC stated.
“3SC also stands the risk of 2 points deduction to last for a probational period ending with the season.”
3SC’s media officer, Tosin Omojola, who did a radio interview the day after the attack and was blaming the victim, has been expelled from NPFL activities for 12 months, along with the kit manager, Majolagbe Kolawale, who was involved in the attack.
