The incident occurred when Bendel Insurance failed to provide adequate security at their Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City, resulting in unauthorized persons gaining access to restricted areas and subsequently attacking the match officials. This breach of protocol led to charges for multiple infractions under the NPFL Frameworks & Rules.
The NPFL’s disciplinary committee has imposed a range of penalties on Bendel Insurance:
- Points Deduction: Bendel Insurance will forfeit three points and three goals from their accrued season tally. This deduction, intended as a penalty for the security breach, will impact their standings as they continue the season.
- Financial Fines: The club has been fined N1 million each for failing to provide adequate and effective security, as well as for failing to ensure proper conduct of their supporters, totaling N2 million. An additional fine of N1 million has been imposed for misconduct deemed capable of bringing the game into disrepute.
- Compensation to Match Officials: Bendel Insurance will also pay N750,000 in compensation to the assaulted match officials. Each official — Adeniyi Adewale, Anuoluwapo Balogun, and Sodiq Sonibare — will receive N250,000 as compensation for the incident.
- Home Matches Behind Closed Doors: As part of the sanctions, Bendel Insurance will play their next three home games behind closed doors at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, barring supporters from attending.
The NPFL has given Bendel Insurance 48 hours from the date of notification to appeal these sanctions.
These disciplinary actions underscore the NPFL’s commitment to maintaining security and professionalism at league matches. As Bendel Insurance navigates the consequences of this incident, it also serves as a reminder to other clubs of the importance of strict adherence to security and crowd control protocols to protect all participants and maintain the integrity of the league.
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