Home matches: NNL banishes Osun United

Osun United has been banished to play their subsequent home matches at the Ilorin Township Stadium and also fined N300,000, by the league organisers.

The development came after the club flouted Covid-19 protocols in their match-day four tie against Vandrezzer FC on March 6 at the Osogbo City Stadium.

Videos showed large numbers of spectators at the match venue despite the closed door directive by the league body, in accordance with the guidelines by the Presidential Task Force on Covid-19, Health Ministry and the Nigeria Football Federation.

According to the Nigeria National League, NNL, the Osun State FA also enforced gate takings while fans prevented match officials from going into the dressing room at half-time.

”Home side Osun United’s fans also seized the cables of the visiting team’s video crew,” the league body stated

In a statement the NNL said, “Osun United FC will play their subsequent home matches at the Ilorin Township Stadium, the team is hereby fined the sum of N300,000 for the breach of COVID-19 protocols as directed by the league body.

“For the breach of the closed door order by Osun United and Osun State FA, the match is considered as no match. Therefore it shall be replayed at a neutral venue with Osun United bearing the cost and indemnities of match officials.”

Osun United club was also ordered to replace the damaged equipment of the visitors, while the state FA was instructed to produce violent supporters captured in the evidence video within seven days, as well as return the gate takings to the league organisers.

The Osogbo-based club have 48 hours to appeal the decision through the Disciplinary Committee of the NFF.

NP/Mercy Chukwudiebere