Hooliganism: Bayelsa United denies responsibility for Match official’s attack in Yenagoa

– Report Police apprehension of culprit. 

For fear of disciplinary action by the Interim Management Committee (IMC) of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL), Bayelsa United FC has denied knowledge of the attack on a match official after it’s 1-1 draw with Doma United in Yenagoa, the state capital.

Bayelsa United FC fought back from a 0-1 first half deficit to secure a point in the Nigeria Premier Football League – NPFL Matchday five fixture at the Samson Siasia Stadium Yenagoa on Wednesday February 1, 2023.

At the end of the match, a Bayelsa United FC supporter, Joseph Odede, popularly known as One Man Riot attacked the match officials, an action which the Yenagoa based outfit has condemned and distanced itself from.

Joseph Odede, it was gathered, was apprehended by the Police immediately after the match and is currently in Police custody being held for hooliganism.

“The tout attacked the match official outside the stadium. He has no connection with Bayelsa United. Bayelsa United fans are known for peaceful conduct all over Nigeria.

“Further punishment on the brigand would be announced by the management of Bayelsa United who are not happy with his uncivilized and barbaric act,” a statement by Bayelsa United FC read on Wednesday evening.

As at the time of this report, the IMC had not communicated its position on the incident. to Bayelsa United FC and the Club will hope to avoid the league body’s hammer with its public statement condemning and disclaiming the attacker of the match official.