Rivers Angels Sanctioned By NWFL For Misconduct in Bayelsa Loss

Rivers Angels Sanctioned By NWFL For Misconduct in Bayelsa Loss

By Gbenga Gboyega

Rivers Angels have been sanctioned by the management of the Nigeria Women's Football League for misconduct, shortly after their 1-0 loss to Bayelsa Queens in the NWFL Super Six championship, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The blow came after Rivers Angels conceded an early goal in the third minute through Glory Edet for Bayelsa Queens, which led to tempers high, and gross assault by players from the losing team.

Rivers Angels duo of Adjei Charlotte, and Hassan Suliat were prime culprits in the manhandling of match officials after the game, which goes against Article 26.1 of the League Management Code of Conduct.

According to a statement released by the NWFL via their media department, the club has been dealt a heavy fine of ₦1,000,000, and the players in question suspended from their third-place match against Confluence Queens.

"After a thorough investigation into the incident and also reports from Match Officials confirming the unruly behavior of the two players, the Nigeria Women's Football League has decided to impose the following sanctions on Rivers Angels;

"A fine of One Million Naira (N1,000,000.00) has been imposed on Rivers Angels for contravening Article 26.1 which states that - "Any player or official who assaults a match official or any other person in the course of a match through physical, verbal intimidation, or form of body language that is deemed offensive on or against match officials are liable to a fine of N1,000,000.00 and possible banishment. 

"The NWFL may place a ban of up to 1 year on a venue where Match Officials are assaulted".

The statement added that an assault on Match officials in any form is a severe offense that goes against the principles of fair play and respect for match officials and is unacceptable by the Nigeria Women's Football League.

The NWFL also strongly encouraged Rivers Angels to ensure that their players and officials understand the importance of fair play and respect for match officials moving forward.