Bendel Insurance has been hit with a hefty fine of N7m and their head coach, Kennedy Boboye, has been handed a 17-match suspension. The penalties were imposed due to the club's failure to provide adequate security during their Matchday 32 fixture against Plateau United at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium on March 28. The match was marred by disorder, with supporters of Bendel Insurance engaging in unsporting behaviour and match officials being harassed and held hostage for 40 minutes after the game.
The league body's statement noted that the club's failure to provide effective security allowed unauthorised individuals to gain access to restricted areas within the stadium. Boboye was found guilty of gross misconduct towards a match official, contradicting the principles of fair play and discipline that underpin the league. The penalties include a N2m fine for failure to provide adequate security, N1m fine for supporter misconduct, and N2m fine for holding match officials hostage. Additionally, the club will have to play three home matches behind closed doors.
The sanctions imposed on Bendel Insurance and their head coach are significant, and the club's reputation has taken a hit. The incident has raised concerns about the level of discipline and control in the Nigeria Premier Football League. The league body's decision to impose harsh penalties sends a strong message that such behaviour will not be tolerated.
When Kennedy Boboye is handed a 17-match suspension for gross misconduct, that means the league is taking a strong stance against indiscipline among coaches. This suspension, combined with the hefty fine and the requirement to play three home matches behind closed doors, suggests that the league is willing to take drastic measures to maintain order and discipline. The fact that Bendel Insurance will have to play without their head coach for an extended period will likely impact their performance, and this could have significant implications for their position in the league. The league's decision to impose such harsh penalties may be seen as a necessary step to maintain the integrity of the game.
