West Ham’s official partner club in Nigeria has hit the headlines in Africa after nine players from FC Ifeanyi Ubah were it with 12-match bans for attacking a referee.

A vicious August clash against 2-1 winners Niger Tornadoes ended in chaos with Ubah left with nine men after red cards for Godwin Obaje and King Osanga.

Three players attacked the referee after winger Osanga was sent off and six more joined in to add to the attack. Even the kitman lost his rag as two members of the club’s backroom staff got involved in the brawl and Chidi Nwogu and Adrika Obiefuna copped 19-game bans.

The League Management Company released a statement saying: “FC IfeanyiUbah have been charged for breaching #NPFL Framework and Rules during their Matchday 36 game vs Niger Tornadoes. FC IfeanyiUbah failed to control and ensure proper conduct of their players and officials during the NPFL game vs Niger Tornadoes. Some FC IfeanyiUbah players, officials and supporters assaulted match officials on NPFL matchday 36 in Lokoja.

Also, some FC IfeanyiUbah players and officials conducted themselves in manner capable of bringing the NPFL to disrepute. Furthermore some FC IfeanyiUbah players and officials on the bench encroached on to the field of play.”

In October last year, WHUFC.com announced “The Hammers agreed a historic partnership with Nigeria Premier League side FC Ifeanyi Ubah as part of the long-term agreement signed with the club’s principal investor Capital Oil and Gas Ind. Ltd in August. The partnership between West Ham and FC Ifeanyi Ubah will see the clubs work together to produce and develop young Nigerian footballers”