NNL

Malumfashi FC Fans Attack Officials and Sokoto United Coach

By Asuquo

Posted on January 7, 2024

In a sad turn of events at the Malumfashi stadium in Katsina state, chaos erupted as fans of Malumfashi FC unleashed mayhem on match officials and officials of Sokoto United during a week-7 fixture in the Nigeria National League (NNL).

The incident sheds light on the perilous environment of the football ground, recently deemed the most dangerous in Northern Nigeria.

The Malumfashi stadium had been under lock and keys for months due to the notorious reputation of its fans, forcing the NNL organizers to relocate home games to the Mohammedu Dikko stadium in Katsina. However, the ban was lifted recently, and on Saturday, during the fixture against Sokoto United, the Malumfashi fans once again exhibited their unruly behavior.

Sokoto United took an early lead, intensifying the pressure on the home team and keeping the fans on the edge of their seats. Just before halftime, chaos ensued as fans flooded the pitch by jumping over the perimeter fencing, chasing the linesman to the corner. Security personnel intervened with tear gas, leaving Sokoto United players disoriented and weak.

Concerns for the players’ safety prompted the coaches to inform officials that the team was not in the right frame of mind to continue the match in the second half. Despite persistent efforts, the center referee ultimately called off the match, citing the away team’s refusal to turn up for the second half due to security concerns.

In the aftermath, enraged home fans targeted Sokoto United’s coach, Mansur Abdullahi, beating him to a state of stupor and leaving him with a bloody face. Quick intervention from the state Football Association and stadium officials facilitated his transport to a hospital, where he received treatment and was later revived.

The incident at the Malumfashi stadium raises serious questions about fan behavior and security measures at football grounds, emphasizing the need for immediate action to ensure the safety of players, officials, and fans alike.

Additionally, the AthleticNG gathers that the match officials were attacked on Sunday morning as they prepared to depart Katsina for their base.