The Disciplinary Committee of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) on Friday reinstated the three points deducted from the total for Remo Stars by the Interim Management Committee (IMC) of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).
The Committee, after its sitting during which all available facts and evidences were reviewed posited that there was no sufficient evidence to support the claim by centre referee Ndubuisi Ukah was indeed hit in the chest by Remo Stars General Manager, Ekene Adams.
The Committee averred that Adams, seen carrying oxygen about was incapable of hitting someone to the extent at which was reported by the “victim” Mr Ukah.
The Disciplinary Committee led by Barrister Jude Obikwelu found that there was no available evidence to prove the alleged act of assault against the Referee by the said Ekene. Also the physical appearance and medical condition of the said Ekene as shown in the match day video and as he appeared before the Committee, revealed that he was on oxygen support and so may not have the capacity to raise a hand to hit or violently assault another as claimed by the Referee.
This was corroborated by the Match Commissioner, Elder Ajibola Emmanuel who stated and maintained same under cross-examination and even demonstrated that the Referee was at no time hit by Mr. Ekene Abubakar Adams, rather was tapped on the chest by Mr. Ekene Abubakar Adams.
“The order deducting 3 points and 3 goals from the accumulated points/goals of Remo Stars FC for the assault of a match official is hereby set aside,” the Disciplinary Committee statement read.
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NEW TABLE
Consequent upon this decision, Remo Stars have now moved one spot up on the NPFL Group A table to fifth with a total of 24 points and a +2 goals difference.
Bendel Insurance remain top of Group A with 31 points from 15 matches, Akwa United are second with 26 points, Enyimba are third with 25 points while both Plateau United and Remo Stars now have 24 points apiece with Plateau fourth on superior goals difference.
In a related development, the Disciplinary Committee upheld the deduction of three points and three goals from Bayelsa United but set aside same judgement meted to Wikki Tourists for identical reasons.
