Unruly and unremorseful fans are Kano Pillars’ albatross

Without doubt, Kano Pillars also called ‘Masu Gida’ is the most illustrious football club north of Nigeria. The club which enjoys a massive following in Nigeria came into existence in 1990 when three amateur football clubs in Kano, Racca Rovers, Golden Stars and Bank of the North FC merged in the same year that professional football kicked-off in the country. Although Pillars are yet to win a continental trophy, they are among the clubs that have dominated the local scene. They have won four league titles in 2008, 2012, 2013 and 2014, two FA Cups in 1953 and 2019 and were runners up in the same competition twice in 1991 and 2018. Pillars have also won four Super Cups.

At the continental level, they reached the semi-finals of the lucrative CAF Champions League in 2009 but lost narrowly to compatriots, Heartland FC who went on to lose in the finals to TP Mazembe of DR Congo.

In discussing their modest achievements, Pillars’ huge fan base cannot be ignored. They are usually propelled by their enthusiastic and vociferous fans who follow them to any place where they play their NPFL matches.

Sadly, the same fans are becoming the club’s major impediment. In recent times, no season has ended without the unruly fans getting involved in one act of hooliganism or another. Only recently, they shocked many people when they engaged in violent acts to spoil Pillars’ homecoming.

Pillars had been away for more than two seasons so when the LMC decided to give them provisional approval to return to the Sani Abacha stadium, many felt it was an opportunity for the ‘Masu Gida’ boys to turn around their faltering performances in the current season.

It will be recalled that when LMC refused to approve the Sani Abacha stadium for the 2021/2022 season due to its poor playing turf, Pillars adopted Ahamdu Bello stadium for them to use as their temporary home ground. They had used the same venue for the previous season.

However, following breaches of the NPFL Rules which had to do with fans misbehaviour, Pillars were again banished to the Muhammadu Dikko stadium Katsina.

It was from Katsina where Pillars had played three of their round two home matches that they were given temporary approval to return home. Unfortunately, some hooligans that the management of the club has since described as saboteurs decided to ruin the homecoming.

In the 79th minute of the tension soaked week 23 fixture between Pillars and Katsina United, irate fans believed to be supporters of the home club invaded the pitch as they chased after the visiting players and match officials with dangerous weapons. From the field, they rushed to where Katsina United’s team bus was parked and completely vandalised it.

The shameful act has since attracted wide condemnation from football stakeholders. However, for those who know the history of Pillars fans, they have become synonymous with hooliganism. It has become difficult for Pillars to end a season without their fans indulging in hooliganism.

For instance, in 2013, Pillars were banished to Kaduna after the fans invaded the Sani Abacha stadium pitch to celebrate Mohammed Gambo’s last minute winner against Enyimba. Pillars were fined N5m.

In 2014, Pillars were banished to Kaduna again after the same fans attacked the referee who handled their week 10 match against Heartland. The match had ended 1-1.

And in 2018, after they threw away a three nil lead to lose on penalties to Rangers in the finals of Aiteo Cup, fans believed to be supporters of Pillars allegedly vandalised some sections of the Stephen keshi stadium in Asaba.

Next was the 2019 Super Six in Lagos where Pillars fans went on rampage after their team played 1-1 draw with Rangers. The instigator of the violence, Rabiu Ali and the club were heavily punished after the unfortunate incident.

Then on June 13, 2021, there was another pitch invasion during Kano Pillars league match with Akwa United in kaduna. The fans invaded the field to protest the decision to disallow Nyima Nwagua’s goal in the 7th minute of second half added time. Pillars who were lucky to escape banishment willingly submitted to the hefty fine of N7.5m.

In the latest act of hooliganism against Katsina United, Pillars have been fined N9m for different breaches of the NPFL Rules. They are banished to the MKO Abiola national stadium Abuja where they will also conclude the aborted fixture. To add salt to injury Pillars have been deducted three points from the ones they had acquired.

Even as Pillars have elected to go on appeal, it will be hard for them to come out of the present problem unscathed. They must suffer the consequences of their fans’ misdemeanour.

One can confidently say that Pillars are walking a tightrope because they are presently 19th on the log with a paltry 23 points. Accepted, on several occasions in the past, Pillars had romanced relegation without dropping to the lower division, this time, it will require a miracle for them to survive.

While Pillars are battling with their self-inflicted problems, it is imperative to appeal to the overzealous fans of the club to embrace fair play.

Instead of becoming an encumbrance to the club they claim to be supporting, they should learn to resist the urge to fight even when they are not provoked.

The management of Kano Pillars on their part must act fast by organising seminars to educate the fans on the need to behave responsibly, before during and after matches involving the club.