NLO Fines Green Beret FC ₦1.5m, Suspends Officials for Two Seasons Over Referee Assault

NLO Fines Green Beret FC ₦1.5m, Suspends Officials for Two Seasons Over Referee Assault

By Niyi Busari 

The Nationwide League One (NLO) has imposed a ₦1.5 million fine on Green Beret Football Club and suspended its officials for two seasons following an attack on match officials after the club's fixture against Zamfara United, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The sanctions were announced by the NLO Secretariat on Friday in response to the violent incident, which reportedly left a referee bloodied and injured.

In a statement, the league body condemned the attack, describing it as unacceptable and detrimental to the image of football.

"This violence is completely unacceptable and damages the reputation of the game," the NLO said, adding that such conduct carries serious consequences and reflects negatively on the club involved.

The Secretariat noted that the incident was not the first case of violence linked to Green Beret FC, recalling a similar occurrence during the previous season. It stressed the need for all stakeholders to work collectively to ensure the safety of players, match officials and supporters.

As part of the disciplinary measures, the NLO reviewed the outcome of the match and awarded Zamfara United a 3-0 victory, replacing the original 2-0 result.

The league also directed Green Beret FC to pay a ₦1 million fine for violent conduct and an additional ₦500,000 to cover the medical expenses of the injured referees. Both payments are to be made within seven days.

Furthermore, Green Beret FC and all its officials have been suspended from participating in Nationwide League One activities for two seasons.

The club was also ordered to identify and submit the individual or individuals allegedly involved in stabbing the referee within 48 hours.

The NLO reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining discipline and safeguarding the integrity of the competition, warning that acts of violence will attract severe sanctions.