The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has sanctioned Warri Wolves and Katsina United for violating the NPFL27 Framework and Rules, with Warri Wolves handed a three-point deduction and a N4.25 million fine following the assault on a match official.

Warri Wolves were punished for security breaches and for an attack on a match official during their NPFL27 fixture against Kano Pillars on Sunday. The club was charged with failing to provide adequate security, which allowed unauthorised persons into restricted areas. After the match, a Warri Wolves supporter assaulted the appointed officials, leaving the second assistant referee with a bleeding nose.

The league fined the club N2 million for inadequate security, another N2 million for the assault, and N250,000 as compensation for the injured assistant referee’s medical treatment, bringing the total to N4.25 million.

Warri Wolves will also forfeit three points and three goals from their accrued league tally. They have been ordered to play their next three home matches behind closed doors, and to identify and produce the individual responsible, with evidence of the person’s prosecution, within seven days.

In a separate case, Katsina United were fined N2 million for violations during their match against Plateau United on Sunday. The club failed to provide adequate security, allowing unauthorised persons to access restricted areas, while their supporters encroached onto the field of play, compromising the safety of players and match officials.

The NPFL fined Katsina United N1 million for inadequate security and N1 million for the encroachment.

Both clubs have 48 hours (two working days) from the date of notification to appeal the sanctions. (The Nation)