SWAN Condemns Violence at Kwara United vs Rivers United Clash
The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, Kwara State chapter, has condemned the violence that marred the Nigeria Premier Football League Matchday 22 fixture between Kwara United FC and Rivers United FC at the Kwara State Stadium, Ilorin.
In a statement signed by its secretary, Dare Kuti, the association said football remains a unifying force and a vehicle for sportsmanship, not a platform for hooliganism and lawlessness.
"The reported assault on match officials, officials of Rivers United, and the invasion of restricted areas by supporters is unacceptable and brings the game into disrepute," the statement read.
SWAN expressed concern that the incident occurred barely days after journalists were attacked by suspected supporters at the same venue.
"We regret to note that proactive measures were not sufficiently taken by stakeholders to decisively address that earlier incident, which could have served as a deterrent to subsequent acts of violence," the association stated.
The body urged the management of Kwara United to fully commit to identifying and prosecuting those responsible for the violence, in line with the directives of the Nigeria Premier Football League>.
"Accountability must not only be promised but demonstrated through visible cooperation with security agencies and the league body," it added.
While commending the NPFL for its swift response and sanctions, SWAN appealed to the league to temper justice with mercy by reconsidering the points deduction, citing a similar incident involving Wikki Tourists and Katsina United where only fines were imposed. The association noted that Kwara State has historically maintained a largely peaceful sporting environment.
SWAN called on club management, supporters' groups and security agencies to collaborate in restoring confidence, ensuring safety for players, officials, journalists and fans, and maintaining Ilorin as a secure venue for football matches.
Cloud Tag: What's trending
Click on a word/phrase to read more about it.
Olokoba AbdulFatai Adeniyi Dan-Kazeem Ajase-Ipo Smart School Ishaq Salman Yusuf Olaolu Ali Bilikisu Oniyangi Bature Bello NFAI ENetSuD Facemasks Bahago Ajidagba Samuel Elizabeth Keatswa Gobir Organization Foundation Oke-Odo Razaq Atunwa Sulyman Age AbdulKareem Mutawali Mutawalle Millennium Development Goals Noah Yusuf Yomi Ogunsola Akanbi-Oke Mutawali Of Ilorin Forgo Battery Company Limited Women Radio Medview Airlines Amos Bajeh Abdulrazaq Magaji Jamila Bio Ibrahim Olumide Daniel Ibitoye Usman Rifun Salihu Ajia Ahmed Haashim Initiative For Community Advancement Aasiyat Bello Oyedepo Toyin Saraki Oniwasi Agbaye Rashidi Yekini Adamu Ibrahim Sabi Unilorin Association Of Kwara State Online Media Practitioners Societe Generale Bank Of Nigeria Iyabo Adewuyi New Naira Notes Afolabi-Oshatimehin Niyi Ogundiran Kupchi Hosea Maxwell Bayo Lawal Isiaka Danmeromu Onilu Toyin Olayinka Tejidini Valsolar Consultoria Ilorin Like-Minds Pilgrims Board Maja Ohoro Of Shao Mahfouz Adedimeji Onilorin Of Ilorin Olokoba Abdullahi Ayinla Abiodun Jacob Ajiboye Abdulwahab Olarewaju Issa Ajasse-Ipo Amuda Musbau Abiodun Musa Aibinu Sarakite Simeon Sayomi Eleja Saad Belgore Adisa Logun Kulende Yusuf Arowosaye Jimba Babatunde Salake Hikmah AbdulKareem Local Government Pension Board

