Some irate fans of Plateau United on Sunday evening attacked the team bus of Enugu Rangers after the Flying Antelopes held their football club to a goalless draw on the Match Day 11 of the 2024/2025 Nigerian Football League
This was disclosed by an official of the team, Felix Ifeanyi, who said the team bus and some of their players were attacked by the fans of the host team after the match.
He said: “Today, just a draw in Jos, Plateau United fans ‘scatter’ (damaged) our bus and beat our players. The damage done to the bus alone can’t be repaired with nothing less than millions. Is this the league we wanted? It’s well anyway… God dey!!!”
A picture obtained by SaharaReporters shows one of the assaulted players with a bloodied face.
A press statement issued by the Enugu Rangers management revealed that the team has petitioned the appropriate authorities to probe the attack on their players and bus in Plateau.
The statement reads: “We wish to inform you about the unfortunate incident that occurred during our match against Plateau United in Jos.
“The attack on our team was unwarranted, and we are taking all necessary steps to ensure justice is served. A petition has been submitted to the relevant authorities, and we will not rest until this issue is thoroughly addressed and resolved.”
Reacting, Plateau United management, in a separate statement, claimed that the attack on the visiting team occurred outside the stadium.
The statement added that the host team should not be liable for the ugly incident.
The statement reads: “At the Culmination of NPFL25 Match Day 11 game involving Plateau United FC and Rangers International of Enugu in Jos, viral photographs and videos flooded diverse media platforms showcasing an injured player of Rangers International of Enugu.
“The Rangers team claimed fans of Plateau United FC attacked them using harmful pebbles, resulting in the injury of one player and destruction of property.
“It must be stated that at the culmination of the Match Day 11 game, players and officials of Rangers International of Enugu departed the New Jos Stadium safely without any form of molestation.
“More so, the technical team successfully held a post-match interview at the media conference room before departing.
“On cross examination, reports say the visiting team had covered almost two kilometres off the stadium facility before the incident occurred.
“While It remains unclear how and why the incident occurred, it is key to note that once the visiting team leaves the parameters of the stadium, security pulls off the grasp of the host team by virtue of jurisdiction.
“While Plateau United FC condemns any form of hooliganism amongst its fan base, the club is insistent it knows nothing about the attack nor has anything to do with the accused persons that attacked.
“According to Plateau United FC General Manager, Habila Hosea Mutla, ‘we are a peaceful club who believe in either of three outcomes when we step out for an encounter is to win, lose or draw’.
“Hence, we will do everything within our powers to maintain law and order within the stadium perimeter.”