For fan behavior during their Southern Conference, Group B2 match against Gateway United on Sunday at the Dipo Dina Stadium in Ijebu-Ode Local Government Area of Ogun state, Smart FC was penalized by the Nigerian National League with a heavy fine of 3.5 million and a three-point deduction, including three goals.
The NNL accused the club and its adherents after reviewing the reports and video footage submitted by match officials and commissioners.
The pandamonium began after Tunde Adejokun of Smart City received his second yellow of the day as a punishment from the crew chief, Oni Stephen.
The away team's supporters decided to riot on the playing field because they could not accept the undesirable decision.
At the end of the first half's additional time, the game, which was still tied at nil-nil, had to be abandoned.
The Lagos Club was charged with violating provisions 16:2, 16:4.1, and 26.1 of the codified NNL rule book according to NNL summary jurisdiction.
"1. N1, 000,000.00 (One Million Naira), for pitch encroachment and throwing of objects which led to the discontinuation of the match," says the relevant portion of the NNL rule.
“2. N1, 000,000.00 (One Million Naira), for assaults on match officials and bodily harm by supporters of Smart City which led to the abandonment of the match.
“3. According to Article 26.1 Smart City are to forfeit three points and three goals from already accrued points in the league.
“4. Supporters of Smart City are banned from all NNL-organized matches till the end of the season.
“5. A fine of N500, 000.00(Five hundred thousand naira) for the medical bills of the match officials.
“6. N1, 000,000.00 (One Million Naira), fine to replace the lost and damaged valuables items of the match officials
“7. NNL warned Smart City that any further acts of violence and assault will lead to a complete withdrawal from the league.
“8. The Match with scores of 0-0 shall be concluded on Thursday 20th April 2023 at the same venue under strictly closed doors.
“9. NNL equally issued warnings to the Ogun State Football Association and management of Gateway Football Club to ensure adequate and effective security measures are put in place before, during, and after the match.
“10. NNL notes that the teams have 48 hours right to appeal the summary jurisdiction on receipt of its correspondence.”
