By Andrew Abah, ABUJA
The Disciplinary Committee of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) on Friday reinstated the three points deducted from the total for Remo Stars and Wikki Tourists by the Interim Management Committee (IMC) of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).
The Committee, after its sitting during which all available facts and evidences were reviewed posited that there was no sufficient evidence to support the claim by centre referee Ndubuisi Ukah and the officials in charge of Wikki Tourists versus Bayelsa United hence the three points deducted from both clubs be returned.
The NFF Disciplinary Committee that was set up a week ago disagreed with IMC on three points and three goals deduction from Wikki Tourists when they hosted Bayelsa United, though the committee affirmed the fine of N500,000 for throwing stones and object on the pitch during the match by the fans.
The statement reads in part, “The Committee disagrees with IMC on paragraph 3 of its findings in its Summary Jurisdiction Notice. Form 16 regarding provision inadequate security by Wikki Tourists FC.
It added, “The order deducting three goals and three points from the accumulated goals/points of Wikki Tourists FC for assaults on match officials are hereby set aside for want of evidence and further confirmation via phone conversation by the match Commissioner and Center referee wherein they stated and confirmed to the committee that there was no assault on any match official as stated in their match report.
It continued, “However, the Committee affirmed the fine of Give hundred thousand naira only imposed on Wikki Tourists FC for throwing of stones and objects into the field of play during the course of the match between Wikki Tourists FC and Bayelsa United.
In the case of Remo Stars, the Committee averred that the team’s GM, Ekene Adams, seen carrying oxygen about was incapable of hitting someone to the extent at which was reported by the “victim” Mr Ukah.
The Disciplinary Committee led by Barrister Jude Obikwelu found that there was no available evidence to prove the alleged act of assault against the Referee by the said Ekene. Also the physical appearance and medical condition of the said Ekene as shown in the match day video and as he appeared before the Committee, revealed that he was on oxygen support and so may not have the capacity to raise a hand to hit or violently assault another as claimed by the Referee.
This was corroborated by the Match Commissioner, Elder Ajibola Emmanuel who stated and maintained same under cross-examination and even demonstrated that the Referee was at no time hit by Mr. Ekene Abubakar Adams, rather was tapped on the chest by Mr. Ekene Abubakar Adams.
“The order deducting 3 points and 3 goals from the accumulated points/goals of Remo Stars FC for the assault of a match official is hereby set aside,” the Disciplinary Committee statement read.
This means that Wikki Tourists FC who are at bottom of Group B table with 9 points will have 12 points and -8 goal difference.
While Remo Stars have now moved one spot up on the NPFL Group A table to fifth with a total of 24 points and a +2 goals difference.
