Kwara United have been handed a stadium ban, a N9 million fine and a three-point deduction by the Nigeria Premier Football League following the crowd trouble that marred their rescheduled matchday 22 fixture against Rivers United in Ilorin on Wednesday.
The sanctions come after chaotic scenes erupted at the end of Wednesday’s 1-1 draw at the Kwara State Stadium, where Rivers United scored a stoppage-time equaliser through Boluwaji Sholumade.
The goal sparked disorder in the stands, with videos circulating online showing angry supporters pursuing match officials and attacking Rivers United personnel.
In its official communication on Thursday, the league body said the Ilorin club had breached its regulatory framework on multiple counts.
It stated that the home side did not provide sufficient security arrangements, allowing unauthorised individuals to gain access to restricted areas. It also accused the club of failing to control its supporters, leading to harassment and assaults on match officials and Rivers United officials, some of whom sustained injuries.
The league further confirmed that supporters entered restricted areas and physically assaulted officials, describing their actions as conduct that brought the game into disrepute.
As punishment, Kwara United were fined N2 million for inadequate security and N1 million for failing to control their supporters. An additional N2 million was imposed for assaults on officials, N1 million for unsporting behaviour, N1 million for holding match officials and Rivers United officials hostage after the match, and N2 million as compensation for medical treatment and damages.
The communication further outlined competitive penalties, stating that three points and three goals would be removed from Kwara United’s accumulated tally as punishment for the assault.
In addition, the club will play their remaining home fixtures this season away from Ilorin, with the MKO Abiola Sports Arena in Abeokuta designated as their temporary venue. The league directed Kwara United to identify the supporters involved for arrest and prosecution and granted the club 48 hours to appeal the sanctions.
The punishment has significantly worsened Kwara United’s position in the table. Following the deduction, they have dropped to 19th place on 26 points from 26 matches, with 12 games remaining.
Their eight remaining home fixtures, including ties against Wikki Tourists, Enugu Rangers, Nasarawa United, El-Kanemi Warriors, Barau FC and Enyimba, will now be played away from their traditional base in Ilorin.
The disturbances followed a tense contest in which Kwara had taken a first-half lead through Shamsudeen Muhammed before conceding deep into added time. After the final whistle, Rivers United General Manager Okey Kpalukwu was attacked and later revived after fainting, while players and officials of the visiting side were forced to remain inside their dressing room for more than 45 minutes.
Kwara United subsequently condemned the violence, distancing themselves from the conduct of the supporters involved. In a statement, the club said it viewed the development with ‘serious concern and regret’ and ‘unequivocally denounce every act of violence recorded’.
‘We are deeply disturbed by the events that occurred after the match and unequivocally denounce every act of violence recorded,” the club said, apologising to Rivers United, match officials and other affected parties, and pledging cooperation with investigations.
Crowd violence has been a recurring concern in the domestic league this season, with the NPFL repeatedly warning clubs about their responsibility to ensure safety and order at match venues.
