A Yenagoa-based football administrator, Ebbyzymore Numa has blasted two young men who protested against the continued retention of Bayelsa United Coach, Ladan Bosso during the team's NPFL match against Bendel Insurance on Sunday, March 2, 2025.
Ebbyzymore Numa
Numa, fondly called Buju, who described the action of the two unidentified young men, as "destructive" and "unacceptable", said the culprits, if found guilty, will face the full weight of the law.
Numa's criticism, titled "Unacceptable behaviour by sponsored agents impersonating as fans", is contained in a post he made on the Bayelsa State Football Progressives Vanguard WhatsApp platform on Monday, March 3, 2025.
It will be recalled that in the course of the Nigeria Professional Football League Match Day 27 encounter between Bayelsa United and Bendel Insurance of Benin at the Samson Siasia Stadium, Yenagoa, two unidentified young men marched round some sections of the stands displaying placards with the inscription "Ladan Bosso Must Go".
Describing the behaviour of the protesters as "unholy", Numa, who noted that they disregarded the rules and regulations governing the league, encroached on restricted areas and were even abusing the Bayelsa United gaffer, said an investigation must be carried out to identify the culprits and if found guilty, will bear the consequences of their actions. He also called on security personnel at the stadium to be more alive to their responsibilities.
Numa said "Some fans blatantly disregarded the league's rules and regulations. These individuals invaded restricted areas, including technical zones, and hurled abusive language at Coach Ladan Bosso.
"Such behaviour is utterly unacceptable and will not be tolerated. We are launching a thorough investigation to identify the perpetrators and sponsors of this unscrupulous activity. Those found guilty will face the full weight of the law.
"Furthermore, we urge security personnel to be more vigilant and proactive in preventing such incidents. It is not acceptable for security officials to stand by idly while fans engage in destructive behaviour".
Highlighting the possible consequences of the action of the protesters, the ex-footballer mentioned match abandonment if the invasion is severe, points deduction, monetary fine, stadium closure, banning of fans and criminal charges.
He urged all fans of Bayelsa United to respect the rules and regulations of the league, and maintain a safe environment for all stakeholders. He equally called on security personnel to be more vigilant and proactive in preventing field invasion and other forms of unacceptable behaviour.
Reacting to the two-man protest, a sports analyst, the Lakeside Tactician said from all indications, the protesters were sponsored, pointing out that a protest bordering on welfare of the players would have made more sense.
According to the Lakeside Tactician, "I was at the Stadium and saw a bit of the said write ups.
The scene did not look like it's coming from fans. I say this because it was just in the hands of two or maximum, three persons who were seated behind the home bench area.
"With the way the team plays and the lack of home grown players in the team , one or two agitations are expected from interested fans and lovers of the team, expressing their opinions.
"Furthermore, the fans and players know too well that one of the issues the team is struggling with borders on welfare of players and match bonuses, protest from fans would have come in these directions rather than the sack of manager who is not in control of the issues.
"It is therefore my opinion that the protest is sponsored by interested parties who stand to benefit directly or indirectly in the removal of the manager".
