Inter Lagos have been sanctioned by the Nigeria Premier Football League. The club breached league rules during their Matchday 7 fixture against Katsina United on Sunday, 4 October. Match officials were harassed, assaulted and held hostage for over an hour. The first assistant referee was injured in the face and lost personal belongings. His mobile phone was damaged.
Referee assaults have plagued the NPFL for years. In 2023, referees were attacked in Ibadan. In 2024, a match was abandoned in Enugu after officials were threatened. The league has promised to protect officials. Enforcement is weak. The Inter Lagos case is one of the most serious. Officials were held hostage. The club’s team manager participated in the assault.
The NPFL found Inter Lagos failed to provide adequate security. Unauthorised persons gained access to restricted areas. The security breach led to an attack on match officials as they made their way from the dressing room to their vehicle. Inter Lagos officials and supporters intimidated, harassed and verbally abused the officials. The club was fined ₦2 million for inadequate security. They were fined another ₦1 million for holding officials hostage. An additional ₦2 million fine was imposed for the assault. A further ₦250,000 was ordered as compensation to the affected assistant referee. Three points and three goals were deducted from the club’s tally. The sanctions could significantly affect Inter Lagos’s campaign. The club has 48 hours to appeal.
Winners: The NPFL, which shows it will punish clubs. Match officials, who gain some protection. The assistant referee, who gains compensation. Losers: Inter Lagos, which loses points and money. The club’s fans, who see their season damaged. The attacked official, who was injured. The league, whose reputation suffers.
Bottom Line: Inter Lagos was fined and docked points. Match officials were assaulted and held hostage. The league acted. The sanctions are heavy. They should deter others. The club can appeal. The assistant referee was injured. Justice was partially served.