Seyi Tayese, Yenagoa
The Nigeria Premier Football League side, Bayelsa United, on Monday, said they are too civil to behave indecent among other teams as insinuated by the Yenagoa based Shooting Stars goalkeeper, Okemute Odah for assaulting him in a match day-37 fixture decided at the Samson Siasia Stadium.
Bayelsa United beat Shooting Stars, who are chasing continental football 2-1 to keep their NPFL status in shape. Christian Pyagbara put the visitors ahead at 25 minutes but the host responded from John Bassey’s brace at 76 and 81 minutes.
In a statement signed by the Head of Media, Bayelsa United and made available to newsmen, the team said, ordinarily, they wouldn’t have given listening ears to attention-seeking publications from falsehood merchants and those who are just after pecuniary benefits to tarnish the image of Bayelsa United fans who are known for peaceful conduct all over the world.
According to the statement, Bayelsa United provide security and other steward in the Stadium on every matchday, “therefore it is difficult for a fan to leave his stand, not to talk of assaulting a player on the pitch with cameras”.
“Again, when the incident occured, Shooting Stars were a man down but the host capitalized on the numerical disadvantage as they continued to mount pressure on the visitors knowing how important three means to them.
“To show how peaceful Bayelsa United fans are, the Prosperity Boys have lost four times at home this season and have also drawn but in each of those bad results no negative story has come out of the State whereas these are often reported in Ibadan during Shooting Stars games.
“Furthermore, if the goalkeeper of Shooting Stars Okemute Odah was assaulted as claimed, Odah won’t have been able to continue the game, it is obvious that the plan was orchestrated by 3SC in order to abandon the game citing security reasons for the game to be moved to a natural venue were they can perfect their ungodly plans.
“Shooting Stars goalkeeper prior to the drama has signalled an official of the club for water immediately the official dropped the water at the back of the goalpost he fell down and wasted about 15 minutes, however when the center signalled for a substitute he stood up to continue the game”.
*No match official was harassed by Bayelsa United fans while warming up and it should be disregarded, Bayelsa United fans are too civilized and organized for such an unruly behaviour”.
The statement further said, Bayelsa United are focused on their last league game on Sunday against Bendel Insurance in Benin City, Edo State and will not want any form of distraction, describing 3SC as bad losers.
“We called on Shooting Stars coach Gbenga Ogunbote to tender his unreserved apology to Arise News reporter Ovieteme George and Finecountry David of People FM for his inappropriate responses during the post match interview. Coach Gbenga Ogunbote’s post match interview was too unprofessional”. the statement said
