The organiser of the Naija Super 8 competition has fined Remo Stars head coach Daniel Ogumodede N250,000.
The punitive action followed Ogunmodede’s unacceptable behaviour during the final match on Sunday at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos.
Remo Stars were defeated by Sporting Lagos in a penalty shootout as both clubs tied at 1-1 after normal time.
The tournament’s organiser, Flykite Productions, stated in a statement that the sanction is due to Ogumodede’s decision to order his team off the field due to an officiating call with which he opposed.
The players disregarded the order and continued playing the match, which they eventually lost 2-4 on penalties after a 1-1 stalemate.
“We find unacceptable the conduct of Mr. Daniel Ogumodede, head coach of Remo Stars, in ordering his players to leave the pitch in protest against an officiating decision in the final match of Naija Super 8,” Flykite Productions said.
“His conduct, which displeased many top football authorities in attendance, was witnessed by a continent-wide audience watching on television.
“While we understand that there may be grounds for disagreeing with refereeing decisions, ordering a pitch walk-off is an inappropriate way to address such.
“The Rules and Regulations document handed to every participating club states the process for disputing such calls and does not include leaving the pitch in protest.
“Mr. Ogumodede’s club acknowledged the receipt of the document, which also prescribes sanctions for officials deemed by the Naija Super 8 Technical Advisory to have erred.
“Had the players not shown maturity, which Mr. Ogumodede should epitomise, the tournament would have been brought to an inconclusive end a potential room for fan violence.
“In view of this, we have imposed a fine of N250, 000 on Mr. Ogumodede for his inappropriate conduct,” the statement said.