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Sports News of Tuesday, 12 January 2021

Source: punchng.com

Fans defy stadium ban, attend NPFL matches

File photo: A stadium File photo: A stadium

Fans have ignored the directive of the Nigeria Professional Football League to stay away from match venues, The Punch reports.

The league authorities had banned fans from stadiums as part of efforts to curb COVID-19.

Our correspondent learnt that the match-day three-game between MFM FC and Sunshine Stars had fans watching.

A sports journalist, Wale Adigun, who spoke with our correspondent, said some fans shunned the PTF directive and watched the game from the stands.

“It’s a shame that MFM allowed some fans to come into the stadium, while there was no police personnel to enforce the directive from the LMC.

“I could see some fans scaling the fence, while some huddled up at the gates, denying journalists from getting into the stadium to cover the game.

“The LMC, clubs and state FAs must sensitise fans about the situation. They should also seize the opportunity to let fans know matches are live on television and other mobile platforms,” Adigun told The PUNCH.

Our correspondent also learnt that the game between Enyimba and Wikki Tourists had fans in attendance.

In a now-deleted post on Facebook, Wikki Tourists complained that the fans were allowed into the Enyimba Stadium, Aba for the tie.

“The COVID-19 protocols, which states that all matches be played under closed doors, has been violated here (Aba) as fans of Enyimba were allowed into the stadium, intimidating the visiting team and cheering their team,” Wikki posted on Facebook.