Ranchers Bees Fined N5m For Matchday 6 Rules Breaches

Ranchers Bees FC have been fined N5 million by the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) for multiple breaches of the Frameworks and Rules during their Matchday 6 fixture against Rivers United.

The club has also been ordered to identify by Thursday, October 1, the player captured on video physically attacking a Rivers United player, for further disciplinary action.

In a summary jurisdiction decision dated September 29 and signed by NPFL Chief Operating Officer Dr Ayo Abdulrahman, Ranchers Bees were cited for breaches of Rules B13.52, C1.1 and C9.

The club was fined N2 million for failing to provide adequate and effective security at the match, which allowed unauthorised persons to gain access to restricted areas of the stadium, in breach of Rule B13.52.

Ranchers Bees were also fined N1 million for breaching Rule C1.1 by failing to restrain players and bench officials who intimidated, threatened and harassed the appointed match officials on the field of play, conduct deemed capable of bringing the game into disrepute.

A further N1 million fine was imposed under Rule C9 for the club’s failure to ensure the proper conduct of its supporters after some attempted to attack the match officials.

The club was also fined another N1 million for holding match officials hostage after the match.

The NPFL directed Ranchers Bees, in accordance with Rule C26, to either accept the sanctions imposed under summary jurisdiction or elect in writing within 48 hours of the notice to have the matter determined by a Disciplinary Panel.

The fines are to be paid within seven working days after the expiration of the appeal period.