The Plateau State Football Association Chairman, Hon. Dr. Suleiman Yahaya Kwande has urged football fans on the Plateau to endure this moment after the league body of the Nigeria Premier Football League ordered Plateau United FC next three home match be played behind closed doors due to the issues that cropped up after the 0-0 NPFL match between Plateau United FC and Rangers FC, where players of Rangers FC were alleged to have been attacked by fans outside the stadium.
In his words: “It’s a bitter pill to swallow that the football loving fans on Plateau will not watch their darling team play at home for the next three matches. We as the custodian of football on the Plateau condemn the said attack, but everything has been put in place to avoid future occurrence.”
Hon. Dr. Suleiman Yahaya Kwande concludes: “I plead to football fans to please stay away from the stadium premises to avoid been molested by security operatives who are stationed on ground to wade off any unauthorized persons from coming even close to the stadium environment.”
Inorder to enforce a strict closed door arrangement, SSI Media gathered that only the following stakeholders are permitted to have access to the three Plateau United home matches:
1. The two teams of 20 players and 7 technical backroom staff.
2. Top management officials of both teams of not more than 5 persons.
3. Security personnel as agreed at the technical meeting and according to the league body, there will be no stewards.
4. Accredited members of the media.
5. Board Members of the host FA.
6. Officiating officials and match coordinators from the NPFL.
7. Ball boys and their coordinators.
8. State Referees Council Chairman and Secretary.
9. State Coaches Association Chairman and Secretary.
10. NPFL stadium branding official.
11. Stadium Manager.
12. Special guest of honour as expected and discussed at the technical meeting.
13. Registered players of both teams with licence as proof.
Meanwhile, the match, earlier slated for 4pm, has been moved forward to 3pm.
Both Nasarawa United and the host, Plateau United FC are not comfortable on the log.
While Nasarawa United FC are placed first from bottom with 12 points from 12 matches played, while Plateau United FC, who were before now placed 7th, are now placed 17th on the league table after three points and three goals deduction.
