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The management of Heartland has called for a full scale investigation into the incident that took place after the clash between them and Enyimba at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu on Sunday.
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An official of Heartland said while management condemned the ugly incident, the club would be happy if those who allegedly caused the trouble are unmasked and brought to book.
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SuperSport.com reported that violence broke out at the stadium shortly after the game ended in which Heartland lost 2-3 to Enyimba but the police prevented the trouble from spreading.
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Video clips showed that supporters in the colours of both teams as well other non-uniformed and bare-chested fans ran into the field after the final whistle.
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According to the official, Heartland abhor hooliganism and want the NPL to launch an unbiased investigation into the incident.
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“On paper, Heartland were recorded as playing home and so people took it for granted that every trouble must be from Heartland or that anyone who puts on a red T-shirt must be Heartland fan.
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“Or that such a person must be acting at the behest of and or interest of Heartland. But I stand here to disapprove this notion.
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“As a club, we fulfilled all that was required of us for there to be adequate security in the match but we are not in-charge of the security.
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“Therefore, if there was security lapse somewhere that enabled the fans to gain access to the field area after the match, Heartland should not be held responsible.
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“These are some of the puzzles we believe a thorough and unbiased investigation can solve.”
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The official reinstated the club’s commitment to join hands with the NPL to rid Nigerian football of hooliganism.
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“We don’t want hooliganism in football and because we (Heartland) have been victims severally, we must continue to fight against it.
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“We’ll stand by NPL in its effort to bring sanity and reputation to our league,” the official stated.?