Scores injured as irate fans of Katsina United hold Kano Pillars players, officials hostage for hours after match ended in 1-1 draw (photos)

Many were injured and stadium facility vandalized on Wednesday, during a clash between fans of Katsina United and Kano Pillars players at the Muhammadu Dikko stadium in Katsina State.

Trouble started after irate fans believed to be supporters of Katsina United held players and officials of Kano Pillars hostage for several hours after their week 15 Nigeria Professional Football League match ended in 1-1 draw.

Despite the presence of heavily armed security personnel at the stadium, the hoodlums succeeded in holding the visiting team hostage for several hours.

According to reports, during the half time break, the visiting team had to stay back on the pitch for fear they would be attacked, if they returned to their dressing room.

The situation was said to have gotten out of hand when the thugs in their hundreds blocked all exit points at the end of the match.

Consequently, there were clashes between the home fans and visiting supporters with many suffering different degrees of injuries.

After some hours, players and officials of Kano Pillars were escorted out of town by well armed security personnel.

Following security reports that the route they had planned to follow was blocked, Pillars were forced to take another direction as they travelled back to Kano in the night.

Pillars Media officer, Malam Idris Malikawa said “We changed our route because we got security report that they blocked the road we wanted to follow. We are now passing through Daura to Kazaure and Kazaure to Kano. It is a shame that after all we did to have a hitch free-match, this is still happening. Football is not war,” he said.

More photos below…