One-time Nigerian champions Bendel Insurance have found themselves at the bottom of the 2024/25 Nigeria Premier Football League table after they were ducked three points and three goals by the league’s board on Monday, The PUNCH reports.
The Benin Arsenal were punished in the wake of the fans trouble in the wake of their 1-0 loss at home to Kano Pillars on Saturday.
Their fans were reported to have directed their fury at centre referee Adeniyi Adewale and his assistants, Sodiq Sonibare and Anuoluwapo Balogun, after Kano Pillars were awarded a last-minute penalty, which was converted by Rabiu Ali.
They were also fined the sum of N3.75m and ordered to play their next three home games behind closed doors.
After the defeat, Insurance were a place above the relegation zone with 12 points from 11 games, but the decision, unless upturned, will see them drop to the bottom of the table with just nine points and a -5-goal deficit.
The NPFL board’s decision compounds the fate of the 2023 Federation Cup winners, who have only managed three wins, four draws, and four defeats this season.
The club was given 48 hours to appeal the sanctions.
Similarly, 2017 champions Plateau United were fined N4.74m and ducked three points and three goals after their supporters attacked players and officials of visiting Rangers International during their matchday 11 clash at the New Jos Stadium on Sunday.
“Plateau United failed to provide adequate and effective security, resulting in the attacks on the match officials and the visiting team, Rangers International,” the league body said in a statement on Monday.
“Supporters of Plateau United also threw objects towards the field of play, leading to the injury of one of the match officials. After the match, supporters of Plateau United attacked one of the match officials, an act capable of bringing the game to disrepute.”
The club will also play their next three home games behind closed doors and were also given 48 hours to appeal the sanctions.