Our fans need more enlightment on football
Following the vicious attack on the center referee Gabriel Adigwe and his assistant last weekend in Minna , former Rangers Technical Adviser Christian Chukwu says the incident is unfortunate, stressing that the time has come for the NPL to take drastic measures.
Last weekend, two referees were badly beaten by Tornadoes fans after their side drew 0-0 with Bayelsa on home soil. According to the former Super Eagles coach, he believes the attack was too bad especially at this point when the league is getting into shape. He said there is the need for enlightment on the fans in order for them to know more about the game.
“Honestly speaking, what happened last weekend was disheartening. Why would our scanty fans behave the way they did last weekend? They could have killed the referee if not for God. I think the laws guiding the league on violence should not be on payment of fine alone but should also come with a ban, saying that this will put any team in check .
“The fans need to be enlightened on how the rules of the game should be followed in order not to cause more harm or dent the image of the league.
It is surprising to know that same people are supporters of English league. They watch and also see how the English fans behave when they loose any match. Instead of applying same behaviour they prefer to be violent and dent the image of the league,†he said.
Meanwhile the Nigeria Premier League has fined Tornadoes N1million only payable before their home match and suspended them for violent conduct by their supporters. The club will play its subsequent home games behind closed doors until the disciplinary committee of the NFA meets, while Ahmed Ibrahim Katin, Niger Tornadoes supporters club chairman and one Abdurasheed Yusuf were placed on indefinite suspension for bringing the game into disrepute.
The club was also fined another N400,000 for allowing its fans to attack the centre referee and his assistant. N200,000 each for assaulting the referees.
