The Nasarawa state government has agreed to pay the fines meted on Nasarawa United Football Club by the League Management Company (LMC) following the violent attack on match officials at the Lafia township stadium recently.
Commissioner for youths and sports development Uthman Bala-Adams, told newsmen on Saturday in Lafia that the incident was unfortunate.
Bala-Adams who acknowledged receipt of the disciplinary steps taken against the club, said the state government fully accepted the punishment for the unruly behaviour of fans and some officials of the club.
He promised to ensure that the unfortunate incident never repeats itself again, saying effective security measures would be putting in place to safeguard not just referees and players, but also the very Important Persons (VIPs) and fans.
“We register our displeasure as a government about what transpired because it is not in our habit or culture to be violent,” he said.
He said the state government declined to appeal the disciplinary actions because the incident was well documented, appreciated the League Management Company ( LMC) for being lenient.
“We really thank them for giving us matches behind closed door and I believe after one home match or two after our conduct, they will rescind the decision because of the security steps that we would have taken by then,” he said.
He assured that the state government will liaise with the state Football Association (FA) and Referees Association in the state to educate supporters on the rules of the game.
