The Nationwide League One (NLO) has penalized Green Beret Football Club with a substantial fine and a two-season suspension for its officials following an attack on match officials after their game against Zamfara United.
The NLO fined the club a total of #1.5 million, including #500,000 to cover the medical expenses of the injured officials.
In a swift response to the incident on Friday, the NLO Secretariat expressed deep concern, especially after seeing the referee left bloodied on the field.
This violence is completely unacceptable and damages the reputation of the game of football, it expressed in a correspondence.
It stated further, that it was important to note that such behaviour has severe repercussions and reflects poorly on the club.
According to the NLO, the bizarre showing was not Green Beret’s, first incident of violence in their matches; as a similar situation occurred last season. So all parties must work together to make the league safe for players, officials, and fans alike.
Accordingly, the Nationwide League One Secretariat has decided:
1. The match result, originally a 2-0 win for Zamfara United, will now be recorded as a 3-0 win.
2. Green Beret FC is fined #1,000,000 for violent conduct (to be paid within 7 days).
3. Green Beret FC must pay #500,000 to the injured referees (to be paid within 7 days).
4. Green Beret FC and all its officials are suspended from Nationwide League One for two seasons.
5. Green Beret FC must submit the personnel involved in stabbing the referee within 48 hours.
