The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Rivers State Chapter, has strongly condemned the brutal attack on Rivers United FC players and management team by Kwara United FC fans in Ilorin, after Rivers United equaliser to secure a point.
This was contained in statement signed by its Chairman and Secretary, Cyril Dum Wite and Com Tonye Orabere, respectively.
The SWAN Rivers State Chapter called on Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and management of Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) to bring the perpetrators to book and impose stiffer punishment on the club management hence they failed to control their fans.
“We totally condemn the barbaric and inhuman behaviour mented on Rivers United players and management team.
“It is unfortunate that this ugly attitude is been displayed when NPFL is receiving commendations in and outside Africa.
“This ugly trend has no doubt brought the NPFL to disrepute and public ridicule, again if it is not checked there will be a time when teams will no longer attend away games”, the statement said.
SWAN in the State used this opportunity to advice all club owners to educate their fans on how to conduct themselves during and after match.
“We are so saddened that football a game of peace, unity and love has become something else. Honestly, this is disgraceful and a bad image for the Nigerian League”.
