NPFL: LMC fine Sunshine Stars N1.5M for referee attack, 3 points deducted

Again in the Nigerian Professional Football League referees were attacked.

Sunshine Stars of Akure have been issued a monetary fine of N1.5 million as well as a three point deduction, for the events which led to referees attacked in their home game on Sunday, February 11, 2018.

The League Management Company (LMC) released a statement on their website to confirm the sanctions.

“In an unprecedented application of the NPFL Framework and Rules, the LMC reviewed a series of past breaches of the rule by the club dating back to the 2014/2015 season for which varying sanctions, including monetary fines, playing without fans, ban of use of home ground and an order to identify for prosecution, supporters cited for acts of breach of security and or interference with match officials,”

The sanctions come after the assigned referees for the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) League game between Sunshine and Kano Pillars game were attacked after the matchday eight fixture ended in a draw.

The Akure based fans were reportedly unhappy with the outcome of the encounter and also the performance of the match day officials.

The LMC have instructed that the fine of N1m (one million naira) be paid to the League body.

The match day officials Damian Akure (center referee), Emmanuel Apine (first assistant referee), Lewis Gwantana  (second assistant referee), and Kenneth Onyiro  (fourth official) are to receive a total sum of N500,000.

The LMC also stated that three points will be deducted from Sunshine for the incident.

The referees took pictures of the reported injuries which went viral, the league body has requested from the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) that the matchday officials be withdrawn for their actions which was capable of bringing dishonour to the League.

The Akure based team has been given 48 hours to respond in writing or appeal the sanctions.

Sunshine travel to the U.J Esuene stadium to take on Enyimba Int’l in their NPFL matchday 10 fixture.