Yusuf Alli Apologises To Bendel Insurance Over Attack By Fans, 

THE Chairman of Edo State Sports Commission, Olympian Yusuf Alli has tendered an unreserved apology to the players and management of Bendel Insurance Football Club of Benin over an attack by angry fans following the 2-2 draw against Kwara United.

The Edo Sports Commission boss tendered the apology during a visit to the team at their training session at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City. While appealing to all stakeholders, including fans, to always support the team during their games, Mr Alli insisted that what the team needs at this time is encouragement and morale-boosting chants and cheers from their people, particularly as the league is getting tougher with some unexpected results being posted against big teams before their fans.

“Let me apologize to you guys for the unpleasant experience with some persons (fans) after your game with Kwara Utd which ended in a 2-2 draw. We have a report on the match and we have been able to identify the fans involved in the attempt to assault the head coach and some other officials and two players because of the 2-2 draw result. We want the fans and others to know that we, as a government, will not accept such behaviour.

“We have identified those involved and we have informed the governor about the incident, we have also mandated our security personnel to be on alert to deal with such situations. I want to use this opportunity to advise fans to learn how to control their temper because if such happens again those involved will not be seen as supporters and fans but as hooligans who deliberately plan to bring the game into disrepute.

“As far as we are concerned, our darling team has not disappointed us. They have been good. We should understand that the game of football has improved in Nigeria. The must-win-at-home craze is no longer there. Some big teams have lost at home this season. Thank God we haven’t lost at home and we have also been able to get some away draws, so, why are we so angry when a well-prepared team also come here and get a draw? That’s football, you win some, draw and lose some.

“We want you to know that government is behind you, we are solidly behind you and we expect you to continue to work hard to get it right. We want our team to improve. We will continue to support you to get better. We appreciate all your efforts so far. The governor will soon receive you people on the Federation Cup you won. The government does not joke with your welfare “. Alli assured.

The Edo Sports Commission Chairman said that it is appalling that the home team is made to feel like an away team when playing at home. “It is appalling that some persons among the fans are making our team feel like they’re not playing at home. We will not condone that. Our team should feel comfortable and secure when playing at home. It is our responsibility to protect and support them, and we will continue to do that.” He maintained.

Bendel Insurance FC will be playing host to Lobi Stars of Makurdi in the Match Day 11 game at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium on Saturday. Kick-off time is 4:00 pm. 

Eighteen-Eleven Media