The Lagos State Football Association (LSFA) has handed down a severe penalty to Smart City Football Club, Lagos, following a review of the match report from the Centre Referee and Match Commissioner for the 2024/2025 President Federation Cup (Lagos FA Cup) match against Inter Lagos.
According to a statement from the FA, Smart City FC has been banned from participating in LSFA-sanctioned football activities for the next two years.
The incidents that led to this decision include:
- Assault on the Centre Referee: A fan of Smart City FC punched the Centre Referee, causing a bloody cut that impaired his vision. The referee was rushed to the hospital for treatment.
- Harassment and Abuse: A player, Bankole Afeez, harassed and abused the Centre Referee, blocking him from leaving the field.
- Threats and Attempted Attack: Fans of Smart City FC attempted to attack the Vice Chairman of the LSFA and the General Secretary of the Lagos State Referees Council, threatening their lives and property.
The LSFA has directed Smart City FC to:
- Produce the fan who punched the Centre Referee for assault charges
- Produce Bankole Afeez for interface with the Disciplinary Committee
- Pay a fine of N1,000,000 for the treatment of the Centre Referee
- Pay a fine of N5,000,000 for failure to control their fans’ behaviour.
