Inter Lagos fined N5.25m and docked points after officials attacked

Inter Lagos have been fined N5.25 million and deducted three points and three goals after match officials were assaulted following their 1-1 draw with Katsina United in the Nigeria Premier Football League.

The sanctions relate to Sunday’s NPFL Matchday 7 fixture on October 4, 2026, and were announced by the league on X on Monday.

“Inter Lagos have been charged for breaching #NPFL27 Framework & Rules in the course of their Matchday 7 fixture vs Katsina United on Sunday, October 4, 2026,” the NPFL said.

The league found that the Lagos club had not provided adequate and effective security at their home ground, allowing unauthorised people to enter restricted areas. The match officials were attacked as they made their way from the dressing room to their vehicle.

Inter Lagos were also held responsible for failing to ensure the proper conduct of club officials and supporters. According to the NPFL, the officials were prevented from leaving and were held hostage for more than an hour after the final whistle.

“Furthermore, Inter Lagos officials in company of some of their supporters intimidated, harassed & verbally abused the match officials, thereby engaging in acts capable of bringing the game to disrepute,” the league statement added.

The NPFL said the Inter Lagos team manager, together with some supporters, assaulted the officials. The first assistant referee suffered a facial injury, while personal belongings were lost and his mobile phone was damaged.

The club received a N2 million fine for failing to provide adequate and effective security, while a further N1 million penalty was imposed for holding the officials for more than an hour.

A separate N2 million fine was issued for the assault. Inter Lagos must also pay N250,000 in compensation to the affected assistant referee for his lost belongings, damage to his phone and medical treatment for the injury.

“Three points and three goals shall be deducted from the accrued points & goals of Inter Lagos for assaulting & causing injury on the first assistant referee,” the NPFL said.

Inter Lagos have 48 hours from the date of notice to appeal against the sanctions.

The club are 19th in the NPFL with five points from seven matches.