**Apologises To LMC For Violent Conduct
Proprietor of Ifeanyi Ubah FC, Ifeanyi Ubah, has apologised to the League Management Company, LMC, over his conduct at the end of a match between his club and Heartland FC of Owerri, Imo State.
The oil and gas baron was caught on camera slapping goalkeeper of Heartland FC, Ebele Obi, who is a brother to Super Eagles captain, John Mikel Obi.
Following the video evidence, the LMC wielded its stick on Ubah and fined him N2.5 million with an additional 10-match ban. He was also asked to tender an unreserved apology for his conduct and promise to be a good ambassador of the Nigerian league.
The LMC says it has received the acceptance notices and apologies from all concerned parties, including other clubs sanctioned by it for various offences; Sunshine Stars and Plateau United, who pledge to be of good conducts.
In the letter written to accept to submit to the summary jurisdiction of the LMC and April 2, 2016, and addressed to LMC Chief Operating Officer, Ubah explained that his actions were due to his overriding passion for the NPFL and its development.
He explained in the letter that he was moved to intervene by the actions of Heartland players towards the referee after the match in Nnewi.
“May I conclude by rendering my unconditional apology to my numerous fans nationwide and in Diaspora for the incident and outcome. To the football family and the LMC, I promise to uphold the tenets of the game while promising to remain a good ambassador of the sport.
“To those who feel disappointed by the outcome, I plead that you find a place in your hearts to forgive me. With a deep sense of humility, I ask Nigerians for their support and encouragement as I wish to state categorically that this will never repeat itself again as dire lessons have been learnt,” he wrote in the letter.
Chairman of the LMC, Shehu Dikko, says the sanctions were never meant to be punitive, but correctional.
He remarked that they were meant “to uphold the sanctity of the rules of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) and to assure all stakeholders of fairness in the application of all laid down regulations.”
Additional information from Kayode Tijani
