[b]Sunshine Stars goalkeeper David Ariyo was on Tuesday handed a 12-match suspension by the League Management Company after he allegedly assaulted the assistant referee during his team’s Premier League game against Plateau United at the Akure Stadium on June 7.
The league governing body also fined the struggling Akure side N1m, out which the assistant referee will get N250,000 as compensation.
The LMC also ruled that Sunshine would play their home games behind closed doors at the Otunba Dipo Dina, Stadium in Ijebu Ode “until further notice”.
“The matches will be played under closed doors until the LMC is satisfied that the club can guaranty security at their games and also control their unruly supporters,” the league body said in a statement.
“Sunshine Stars were also charged for breaches of Rule C9 and C1.2.1.6 while goalkeeper Ariyo was charged for assault on an assistant referee contrary to Rule C11 of the NPFL Framework and Rules.”[/b]