The Nigeria Premier Football League has given Bendel Insurance’s head coach, Kennedy Boboye, a 17-game ban and a fine of N2 million after he was found to have acted improperly during the club’s Matchday 32 game against Plateau United.
The match, which finished in a 2-2 draw at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City on Saturday, March 28, had several serious issues.
The NPFL said Bendel Insurance did not provide enough security for the match, which allowed unauthorized people to enter areas that were supposed to be restricted.
After the game ended, things got worse.
Supporters of Bendel Insurance were found to have behaved in an unsporting way
Also, match officials were held hostage for 40 minutes after the game, which the league said was a clear violation of football rules and safety standards.
Boboye was found guilty of treating a match official in a very bad way, which is against the league’s rules on discipline and fair play.
In addition to Boboye’s punishment, Bendel Insurance was also fined N5 million for the various problems. The club was also told they have to play their next three home games without any spectators.
The NPFL said these penalties show their commitment to keeping things orderly, professional, and respectful towards officials, especially in tough situations.
The ban is a big problem for Bendel Insurance at a key point in the season.
The team will have to manage their upcoming games without Boboye’s guidance on the sideline. Also, playing without fans at the Ogbemudia Stadium will affect the atmosphere and the money the club usually makes from those matches.
Bendel Insurance can still appeal the decision through the NPFL’s proper disciplinary process.
