Wikki Tourists Football Club, a team from Bauchi, has lodged an appeal with the Interim Management Committee to reconsider the sanctions imposed on them following their Nigeria Professional Football League match against Bayelsa United FC in the 2022/2023 season. The match, which took place on April 9 at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium in Bauchi, was reportedly marred by irregularities, according to the News Agency of Nigeria.
As a result of the IMC’s review, Wikki Tourists were penalized by having three points and goals deducted, a N2.5 million fine imposed, and the stadium closed for all NPFL matches.
Speaking to NAN on Saturday in Bauchi, Mr. Balarabe Douglas, the Chairman of Wikki Tourists FC, stated that the IMC had accused the team’s management of inadequate security provision, throwing objects on the field, and assaulting match officials during the game against Bayelsa United.
Mr Douglas said: “The management provides adequate security for the match in the stadium with over 40 police personnel, Man O’War, and WAI brigade physically on ground.
“There wasn’t any object throwing of such nature, we noticed at the end of the match some angry fans started throwing sachets and plastic bottles of water at Wikki players to show their displeasure over the poor performances of the players and it abruptly stopped.
“Similarly, none of the match officials visiting the team and players were targeted or assaulted during the match,” he said.
Douglas however, admitted that there was a pause in the match when some of the Wikki FC players were peacefully protesting to the match officials. They were aggrieved because their earned second goal was cancelled following ARI’s decision.
“The aggrieved players return for the continuation of the match after a polite explanation by the officials on the reason for cancellation.
“With these explanations, the IMC should reason and review the sanctions because the decision reached by the club is not only harsh but worrisome,” he said.
