Gombe Utd appeal LMC sanction

Nigerian Professional Football League outfit Gombe United have filed an appeal against the N3.25M slammed against it by the League Management Company (LMC.

It could be recalled that the Savannah Scorpions were sanctioned for crowd trouble and assaults on their goalkeeper Emmanuel Fabiyi in their home draw with Rangers International FC of Enugu last Wednesday.

In a released signed by the club’s spokesman, Taminu Umar, also revealed that the Gombe side club have brought to book those that perpetrated mischief.

“Following the aftermath of the NPFL match in Gombe between our Rangers and Rangers International, we have received a letter of sanction from LMC. We have formally acknowledged reception of the letter and have accepted the sanctions. However, we have pleaded with LMC to reduce the monetary fine imposed on the club.

“We have taken a number of punitive actions in lieu of the stipulations spelt out in LMC’s letter, and with a view to preventing further interruptions in the stadium during our home games.

“The club has suspended Alhaji Kwairanga, the club’s Assistant Team Manager for one month from participating in all the club’s activities, for inciting fans at the stadium.

“Isa Gambo, an official of the Supporters Club is also suspended for one month for the same fault as in (1) above.

“Another fan, Durwa, who assaulted Fabiyi Emmanuel is currently in detention and will be prosecuted; he is banned from the stadium indefinitely, the club said in the statement.

The statement added that an investigative committee has been set up to investigate Fabiyi over the allegations of match fixing.

“At the end of the match, and following the unfortunate assault on Fabiyi Emmanuel, he was taken by the club management to hospital for treatment, but he later disappeared without trace and without notifying the club.

“Based on allegations of match fixing by Fabiyi Emmanuel, a special committee of Investigations, comprising of members of the management board, police and SSS, is set up to investigate the allegations,” the statement added.