The Nigeria Premier Football League match between Plateau United and Enugu Rangers was marred with violence.
According to a report shared on X by Igbo History & Facts, Plateau United fans attacked Rangers United players and the team’s coaching crew after the match.
Footage shared in the post showed one of the Enugu Rangers’ players covered in blood, apparently due to the violent assault by the irate fans.
The footballer, who is yet to be identified, was sitting close to the team’s bus, showing his bloody face.
Further reports on the incident, as gathered by Saharareporters, revealed that the fans lost their cool on the visiting team after they held the home side to a goalless draw.
Enugu Rangers media officer Felix Ifeanyi, who disclosed more details of the incident, said the violent fans attacked the team and the team’s bus, wrecking damage that is estimated to the tune of millions of Naira.
“Today, just a draw in Jos, Plateau United fans scattered (damaged) our bus and beat our players. The damage done to the bus alone can’t be repaired with anything less than millions. Is this the league we wanted? It’s well anyway… God dey!!!”
Enugu Rangers issue statement
Enugu Rangers have issued a statement addressing the incident. The club condemned the incident, adding that appropriate steps and measures have been taken to seek justice and remedy.
“We wish to inform you about the unfortunate incident that occurred during our match against Plateau United in Jos”, the club’s statement reads.
“The attack on our team was unwarranted, and we are taking all necessary steps to ensure justice is served. A petition has been submitted to the relevant authorities, and we will not rest until this issue is thoroughly addressed and resolved.”
Plateau United deny the attack
Plateau United, who have been indicted by Rangers for the attack, issued a statement denying the involvement of their fans.
According to them, Enugu Rangers successfully concluded the match and conducted their post-match press conference before leaving the stadium safely.
They condemned the attacks but made it clear the club did not have a hand in the incident.
“At the Culmination of NPFL25 Match Day 11 game involving Plateau United FC and Rangers International of Enugu in Jos, viral photographs and videos flooded diverse media platforms showcasing an injured player of Rangers International of Enugu.
“While Plateau United FC condemns any form of hooliganism amongst its fan base, the club is insistent it knows nothing about the attack nor has anything to do with the accused persons that attacked.
The worrying footage is one of the countless incidents of football-related violence and hooliganism in the Nigerian elite division.
The trend has been concerning, with Nigerian fans hopeful relevant authorities will take drastic measures to eradicate the anomaly.
At the time of filing this report, the organizers of the competition have yet to address the incident.
The match ended 0-0 after full-time, with both sides sharing spoils. Enugu Rangers sit 6th on the table with 16 points while Plateau United are 8th with 15 points.
They will return to action on Sunday, November 17, 2024, at home against Bendel Insurance, while Plateau United will travel to take on Kwara United on the same date.
Enugu Rangers won the last edition of the competition and are hoping to defend the title. They are the only team in the history of the Nigeria Football League that has never been relegated.
