The Nigeria Football Federation’s (NFF) Disciplinary Committee has revised the sanctions imposed on Enyimba FC following the contentious Oriental Derby against Rangers International, after Enyimba appealed the initial penalties handed down by the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).

Committee Findings: The committee confirmed that the match venue exceeded its capacity, admitting 70,000 spectators into a 32,000-seat stadium. The disruption began when Enyimba FC contested a penalty awarded to Rangers International in the 95th minute, leading to confrontations with the Assistant Referee and fans encroaching onto the field to chase match officials. Enyimba FC acknowledged the unacceptable behavior of their players and supporters.

Revised Decisions: In a press statement issued on Saturday night, the NFF committee upheld the N1 million fine on Enyimba FC for failing to control their players, officials, and supporters. However, due to insufficient evidence, the committee overturned the N5 million fine for disrupting the live broadcast and the N1 million fine for throwing objects onto the field.

The committee maintained other sanctions imposed by the NPFL, including awarding three points and three goals to Rangers International due to Enyimba’s refusal to continue the match (as per NPFL Framework and Rules Article 13.26). The N1 million fine for field encroachment (as per NPFL Framework and Rules Article 13.19) and the N2 million fine for match disruption and discontinuation (as per NPFL Framework and Rules Article 13.24) were also upheld. All parties retain the right to appeal these decisions.

The Controversial Derby: On Sunday, June 9, a controversial penalty deep into stoppage time marred the highly anticipated Oriental Derby between Rangers and Enyimba. The match, held at the 30,000-seater Nnamdi Azikwe Stadium, ended in chaos when Enugu Rangers were awarded a penalty in the 98th minute. Instead of allowing the penalty to be taken, Enyimba players walked off the pitch, and fans encroached on the field, tarnishing what had been a highly anticipated clash.

Matchday pictures and videos showed an electrifying atmosphere, with the stadium filled beyond capacity. Despite a barren first half, the match seemed destined for a dramatic finish until the controversial penalty call and subsequent disruptions left a sour taste for many fans who had hoped for a memorable encounter.

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