Plateau United Want Heartland Punished After Fans’ Attack On Referee

The League Management Company has been urged to severely sanction Heartland of Owerri after their fans attacked centre referee Yusuf Garba at the end of Monday’s Nigeria Professional Football League matchday 18 fixture against Plateau United.

The Naze Millionaires were held to a 1-1 draw in the encounter at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri.

Abiodun Thompson put the hosts ahead in the 21st minute but they failed to add to their advantage despite creating a number of goal-scoring chances.

Tosin Omoyele rescued a point for the NPFL champions  by grabbing the equaliser in the last minute of added time.

Plateau United media officer, Albert Yakup, confirmed the incident and further stated the fans also attacked some of their players

“What happened yesterday in Owerri was an act of hooliganism. They (Heartland fans) attacked the referee  and some of our players,” Yakup told sports journalists.

“We just hope the LMC will do the needful by applying the necessary sanctions.”

The LMC have clamped down  on clubs this season over acts capable of bringing the game into disrepute with Sunshine Stars receiving biggest punishment.

The Owena Waves were made to forfeit three points and three goals after their fans attacked match officials in the aftermath of their league game against Kano Pillars at the Akure Sports Complex.

 Heartland media officer Henry Echefu was not available for comment when newsmen seek to get his comment on the incident.