Kwara United technical adviser, Ashifat Suleiman has blamed the banishment from Ilorin for his team’s relegation struggles last season.
The Harmony Boys supporters invaded the pitch after their rescheduled matchday 22 fixture against Rivers United in Ilorin.
The incident saw the Ilorin-based club fined N9 million and three points deducted three from their accumulated totals.
Kwara United were also ordered to play its remaining home fixtures for the season at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena in Abeokuta.
Suleiman revealed that the sanctions put the club under immense and financial pressure to make up for the lost points.
“If not for the pitch invasion that cost us three points and a three-goal deduction last season, things could have been different,” Suleiman told the media.
“The sanctions forced us to play our home matches away from Ilorin, yet very few people talk about the impact that had on the club.
“It placed the management under immense financial pressure and meant the players and officials were constantly travelling instead of enjoying the advantage of playing and resting at home.
“Those challenges affected the team significantly and contributed to our struggles last season.”
Kwara United survived relegation on the final day of last season.