Katsina United have been hit with a N9 million sanction by the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) and ordered to host the rest of their home matches without fans at the New Jos Stadium following chaotic scenes during their 1–1 draw with Barau FC on Saturday.
The league’s statement on Sunday accused the club of failing to maintain proper security and control over their supporters. According to the NPFL, unauthorized individuals entered restricted areas, while fans hurled dangerous objects onto the pitch, leaving Barau FC players injured.
“The club failed to ensure proper conduct of their supporters leading to the harassment of Barau FC players and match officials,” the statement read.
“Furthermore, Katsina United supporters displayed conduct capable of bringing the game into disrepute.”
The penalties were detailed as follows: N3 million for fan misconduct and actions that harmed the league’s reputation, N2 million for insufficient security measures, and N4 million to cover medical expenses, damages to the visiting team’s buses, and the detainment of players and officials after the match.
All future home fixtures will now be played without spectators, and Katsina United has 48 hours to appeal the NPFL’s ruling.
Reports indicate that Barau FC forward Nana Abraham sustained a neck injury after being attacked by supporters shortly after his team scored an equalizer in the 69th minute, triggering chaos inside the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium. Officials eventually intervened, and the match concluded 1–1.
Before the league’s decision, Katsina United dismissed the reports of violence and injury as “entirely baseless.” Club media director Nasir Gide insisted that security personnel maintained control throughout the game.
“At no point during the match did any supporter gain access to the main pitch,” Gide said.
“Katsina United football club is committed to professionalism, discipline, and fair play both on and off the pitch.”
He added that the club had requested corrections from media outlets that published the claims and threatened legal action if the reports were not retracted.
This incident comes weeks after Kano Pillars faced NPFL sanctions for a similar episode in October, when fans stormed the pitch following a late equalizer against Shooting Stars. Kano Pillars were fined N9.5 million, docked points, and had their stadium closed indefinitely.
