Kano Pillars have been hit with a string of sanctions by the Nigeria Premier Football League following crowd disturbances and multiple breaches of league regulations during their home fixture against Rivers United on Sunday.
In a disciplinary ruling, the league charged the club with failing to uphold the NPFL Framework and Rules, citing incidents involving supporters who engaged in what was described as gross misconduct against match officials. The league said such actions undermine the integrity of the competition.
The sanctions include a cumulative fine running into millions of naira for a series of repeated violations. The club was penalised for failing to provide adequate security, acts of unsporting behaviour capable of bringing the game into disrepute, and failure to control supporters whose actions led to the harassment and intimidation of match officials. Additional punishment was imposed for repeated gross misconduct directed at officials, as well as for disruption and delay of the match, which reportedly resulted in the harassment of the centre referee and a stoppage of play.
Beyond financial penalties, the NPFL has also ordered Kano Pillars to play their next three home matches behind closed doors. This sanction will affect their remaining home fixture of the current season and extend into the opening two home games of the next campaign.
The league maintained that the disciplinary measures are part of efforts to enforce compliance with its regulations and preserve professionalism within Nigerian football. While no direct quotes were attributed to league officials in the ruling, the statement emphasized that the conduct observed during the match constituted serious breaches warranting firm action.
Kano Pillars have been given a 48-hour window from the date of notice to appeal the sanctions, in line with NPFL regulations. The development adds to ongoing concerns over crowd control and matchday security in the domestic league, with authorities under increasing pressure to ensure the safety of players, officials and fans.
