Ike Nnachi, Abakaliki
Players and officials of Rangers Football Club of Enugu were on Sunday attacked after a goalless draw by fans of the host team, Plateau United FC.
It was learned that a player of the Club, Daniel Onyia, was injured on the head by one of the big stones thrown by fans who laid an ambush for the team along Zaria Road, in front of Jos International Stadium as they made their way back to their hotel after a goalless draw in a match day 11, NPFL fixture.
Also, the Toyota Coaster bus conveying the players had four of its side wind shields shattered with some other players getting hit by the large pebbles thrown by the fans.
Fans had started showing their resentments as soon as the referee blew the final whistle to end the match.
“As the players and official buses made to leave the stadium, there were loud bangs on the bodies of the buses as the drivers made a quick dash towards the exit gate.
“On its way to where the team was lodged after making a turn at the Farringada round-about, the fans that laid an ambush in front of the stadium, pelted the players’ bus with large stones with one of them catching the young midfielder on the face and beside the left eye.
“The bus had to make an emergency stop at the Alherri area near St. Murumba College, Jos, where the team’s medical personnel administered treatment on the injured player,” an official told our reporter.
It was also learned that Plateau State Football Association chairman, Suleiman Yahaya Kwande and other officials of the football house visited the scene to assess the situation and commiserate with the team over the attack.
In a swift response to the violent attack, the management of Rangers International F.C ably led by Amobi Ezeaku, submitted a strong petition to the organisers of the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) over the incident.
The petition sites the inability of Plateau United to provide adequate security before, during and especially, after the match for the visiting team, Rangers, as the major reason for the violent incident that brought bodily harm and psychological trauma to players and officials of Rangers.
The Club in the petition also noted that the attack negates the true spirit of what the game of football preaches thereby bringing the game to disrepute.
The club called for immediate sanction to be meted out to Plateau United to serve as a deterrent to other clubs in the Nigerian Premier Football League.
A statement from the General Manager of the Club, Amobi Ezeaku, to the fans described the attack as unwarranted.
He said: “We wish to inform you of the unfortunate incident that occured during our match against Plateau United in Jos.
“The attack on our team is unwarranted and we are taking all necessary steps to ensure that justice is done,” he said.
Mr Ezeaku noted that a petition has been submitted to relevant authorities promising that the Club will do everything necessary to ensure that the issue is thoroughly addressed and resolved.
“Under this administration, the symbol of our great club must never be disrespected and we will go to any length to preserve its honor and legacy.”
“Our commitment to upholding the values and pride of Rangers is unwavering,” he said.
The Rangers GM noted that the players and technical crew are safe and will be arriving back to their Enugu base today.
He thanked the supporters for their support adding that the teams remains motivated to continue to represent the team.
The attack has been roundly condemned by supporters of the Club and fans of the Nigerian Professional Football League.
“Kano Pillars defeated us in Enugu, Elkanemi of Borno drew against us in Enugu and heaven didn’t fall. We even carried Musa up and celebrated him. Ali was celebrated as the league legend he is.
“Today, just a draw in Jos, Plateau United Fans scattered our bus and beat up our players. The damage done to the bus alone can’t be repaired with nothing less than millions. Is this the league we wanted,” a fan queried.
The League Management and that of Plateau United have yet to make any public statement on the incident.
