Rangers fined N5 million for their matchday antics against Enyimba

Rangers International FC was fined N5 million by the Nigeria Premier Football League for various violations committed during Sunday, June 9’s Match Day 35 match at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu versus Enyimba International FC.

Rangers broke multiple league rules during the unfortunate meeting, according to a letter dated June 10 that the NPFL Chief Operating Officer, Davidson Owumi, sent to the team.

Drama unfolded in Enugu on Sunday during the much awaited match between Enugu Rangers and the reigning champions Enyimba. A fan invasion forced the game to be abandoned well into stoppage time.

Center referee John Ojeleye gave the home team a penalty when the game was still scoreless in extra time. However, the opposition supporters reportedly stormed the field in protest, calling the game off.

The letter, which rendered its decision on Monday, stated that Rangers had broken Rule B15.24 the most, since the team had sold too many tickets for the game, causing the stadium to be overcrowded. The fine for this offense alone was N2 million.

In addition, the club was cited for violating Rule B13.52 by neglecting to establish sufficient and efficient security measures. A N1m fine was imposed for this infraction.

Rangers were consequently fined an extra N1 million for violating Rule B13.52.1 by failing to put in place sufficient and efficient crowd control measures.

In addition, the club was fined N1 million for violating Rule B13.52, which required it to keep unauthorized individuals out of restricted areas.

As a result, Rangers International FC has been fined a total of N5 million by the NPFL for the different violations.

The league has mandated the Rangers “implement a more effective crowd control mechanism in subsequent home games” in addition to the financial penalties.

Additionally, Rangers have been given 48 hours to choose to be dealt with by a disciplinary panel or submit to summary jurisdiction and the recommended punishments. According to Rule E1 of the NPFL’s Frameworks and Rules, noncompliance or a baseless appeal may result in further punishments.