The Lagos State chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria has demanded an apology from the management of Shooting Stars Sports Club of Ibadan for alleged attacks on sports journalists.
The chapter said that three sports journalists were on Wednesday attacked at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Ibadan.
This was after Week 31 match of the Nigeria Professional Football League between the host, 3SC, and Remo Stars.
In a statement signed by its Secretary, Bunmi Ogunyale, the chapter on Thursday said that it established the case of attack from its independent findings.
“Our independent findings (through a video clip) revealed that three journalists, Tobi Samuel Adepoju, Ayo Animasaun and Atinuke Esan, were assaulted after the 3SC and Remo Stars’ NPFL game,” it said.
The Chairman of the chapter, Debo Oshundun, said in the statement that the Ibadan-based 3SC should write a letter of apology to the journalists.
Oshundun added that the club should replace the victims’ damaged items within 48 hours.
According to him, the journalists are members of the chapter.
He condemned the subjection of journalists to traumatising situations while carrying out their professional duties.
The statement said: “We are partners in progress with sports development bodies in Nigeria, but we have zero tolerance for assault on our members.
“The management of 3SC should apologise to the victims in writing within the next 48 hours and ensure their damaged equipment are replaced.”
The SWAN chairman also called on the club’s management to ensure that the perpetrators of the attacks would be fished out and brought to book.
He also called on the League Management Company to sanction 3SC for the conduct to serve as deterrent to others.