Wikki Tourists Football Club has explained the circumstances surrounding the injury sustained by Katsina United chairman, Surajo Malumfashi, during the chaotic Nigeria Premier Football League Matchday 25 fixture between both sides in Bauchi.
The Bauchi-based club made the clarification in an official statement on Monday, following widespread reports and a viral video showing Malumfashi receiving medical treatment at a hospital after the incident.
According to Wikki Tourists, the Katsina United chairman did not formally communicate his presence at the stadium and was seated on the reserve bench reserved strictly for accredited team officials and match personnel.
The match was abandoned on Sunday after crowd unrest erupted when Katsina United scored a late equaliser to make it 3–3. Play eventually resumed and was concluded on Monday morning. During the disruption, the centre referee was replaced by the reserve official, while Malumfashi reportedly sustained a head injury.
Wikki Tourists stated that it only became aware of the incident through the circulating video, adding that the exact circumstances leading to the injury were not within the club’s direct knowledge.
The club, however, condemned all forms of violence and stressed that it does not tolerate the maltreatment of any guest or official at its venue under any circumstances.
It further explained that match organisers were unaware of Malumfashi’s presence at the stadium, as his name was neither recorded nor announced during the mandatory pre-match coordination meeting.
Match Commissioner Blessing David reportedly confirmed that the Katsina United chairman was seated on the reserve bench at the time of the incident, an area the club said he was neither expected nor authorised to occupy.
Wikki Tourists added that further clarification with the Match Commissioner confirmed that Malumfashi did not officially announce his presence, as required by matchday protocol.
Reaffirming its commitment to professionalism and safety, the club noted that it has consistently prioritised the welfare of guests and officials. It added that had Malumfashi’s presence been formally communicated, he would have received the same level of protection accorded to all recognised guests.
The NPFL fixture was eventually concluded on Monday morning and ended in a dramatic 4–4 draw.
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