Ranchers Bees Slammed With ₦5m Penalty After NPFL Violations Against Rivers United

Ranchers Bees have been fined a total of ₦5 million by the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) over multiple breaches recorded during their Matchday 6 fixture against Rivers United.

According to Bush Radio Academy, the sanctions were contained in the NPFL’s Summary Jurisdiction decisions issued on September 29 and signed by the league’s Chief Operating Officer, Dr Ayo Abdulrahman.

The club was found to have breached Rules B13.52, C1.1 and C9 of the NPFL Frameworks and Rules during the match.

Ranchers Bees were fined ₦2 million for failing to provide adequate security at the stadium, which reportedly allowed unauthorised individuals to gain access to restricted areas.

The club was also handed a ₦1 million fine for failing to control players and bench officials accused of intimidating, threatening and harassing match officials during the encounter. Another ₦1 million penalty was imposed over alleged attempts by supporters to attack the officials, while an additional ₦1 million fine was issued for the club’s failure to prevent match officials from being held hostage after the game.

The NPFL has further ordered Ranchers Bees to identify, by Thursday, October 1, the player captured on video allegedly physically assaulting a Rivers United player during the match. The player could face additional disciplinary action following identification.

Under Rule C26, Ranchers Bees have the option of accepting the sanctions or requesting in writing that the matter be referred to the NPFL Disciplinary Panel within 48 hours of receiving the decision. The fines are expected to be paid within seven working days after the expiration of the appeal period.

Meanwhile, Rivers United maintained their unbeaten start under head coach Finidi George after playing out a 1-1 draw against Katsina United on Wednesday.

Rivers United took the lead through Samson Olasupo in the 48th minute, but Katsina United responded two minutes later when Sani Mubarak converted a free-kick to level the score.

Despite pushing for a winning goal, Katsina United were unable to break through a Rivers United defence that has conceded only two goals in six matches.

The result moved Rivers United to second place on the NPFL table with 12 points, one point behind leaders Enugu Rangers, while Katsina United remained 11th with eight points.

Rivers United are scheduled to face Ikorodu City in their next fixture, while Katsina United will travel to Lagos to take on Inter Lagos FC.