The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has fined Doma United N5.25 million and ordered the club to play its next three home matches behind closed doors following security breaches during its Matchday Nine encounter against Kun Khalifat FC.

The disciplinary measures were imposed after the match, which ended in a 1-1 draw at the Pantami Stadium last Saturday, was followed by alleged misconduct involving some home supporters.

According to the report, Doma United failed to provide adequate and effective security during the fixture, creating a situation in which the visiting team’s officials were allegedly subjected to hostile treatment.

Kun Khalifat’s technical adviser, Obinna Uzoho, was reportedly attacked by home supporters after the final whistle. The supporters were also accused of displaying hostile behaviour towards the match officials and members of the visiting team’s delegation.

The NPFL considers such incidents serious breaches of the standards expected of clubs participating in the competition, particularly where the safety of visiting officials and match personnel is concerned. The league also viewed the conduct as capable of bringing the game into disrepute.

As part of its response, the governing body handed Doma United a N5.25 million fine and directed the club to stage its next three home fixtures without spectators. The stadium ban means the Savannah Scorpions will have to fulfil those matches behind closed doors as they work to address the security concerns raised by the league.

The punishment follows what the NPFL described as repeated breaches of security requirements. The decision places responsibility on Doma United to improve its matchday arrangements and ensure that players, officials and visiting team representatives can carry out their duties without intimidation or threats to their safety.

The league also took action against the match commissioner assigned to the fixture, recommending that the official be demoted to a lower league. The recommendation was based on alleged dereliction of duty, inadequate supervision and insufficient reporting of the incidents surrounding the match.

The development indicates that the league's concerns extend beyond the alleged behaviour of supporters to include the responsibilities of officials charged with overseeing fixtures and documenting events. Match commissioners play an important role in monitoring matchday operations and reporting incidents that may require disciplinary attention.

Doma United have also been issued a warning to strengthen their security arrangements and educate their supporters on acceptable conduct at football matches. The club is expected to take steps to prevent a recurrence of the incidents that led to the latest sanctions.

The NPFL cautioned that further violations of its rules and regulations could attract more severe punishment. For Doma United, the warning means that future security arrangements and the behaviour of spectators will be important considerations as the club continues its league campaign.

The three-match stadium ban could also affect the atmosphere around the team's upcoming home fixtures, with supporters unable to attend those games if the sanction remains in place. The financial penalty adds to the consequences the club must address following the incident at Pantami Stadium.

However, Doma United have the right to challenge the decision. The club has been given 48 hours from the date it receives formal notification to appeal the sanctions.

The club's next step will therefore be to decide whether to accept the disciplinary measures or contest them within the stipulated period.

With the NPFL insisting on improved security and responsible supporter behaviour, Doma United must now address the concerns raised over the Kun Khalifat encounter and avoid further disciplinary trouble as the season progresses.