Devastating death news marred NsoatremanFC’s solitary win against league leaders Asante Kotoko on match day 19 of the Ghana Premier League at the Nana Koromansa Park at Nsoatre on Sunday.
A clean first half saw both sides exchanging to find the opener but they continued to miss goal scoring chances as the half ended a blank score.
However, tempers flared up just at the resumption of the second half as a scuffle erupted that resulted in a flurry of red cards after Nsoatreman’s Eric Osei Bonsu was seen stamping on a Kotoko player who was already on the ground.
Kotoko’s captain Justice Blay and goalkeeper Mohammed Camara were sent off, while Nsoatreman’s Stephen Diyuo also received a marching order.
The bloody fisticuffs were further compounded by some hooligans who were seen throwing foreign objects onto the pitch to disrupt play.
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The unexpected development had Kotoko’s media officer struck on the ear and crucial equipment, including a laptop and camera, was damaged.
Amid the melee, referee George Mawuli Vormawor, fearing for his safety, fled the scene but later returned to continue officiating the game after calm was somewhat restored.
At the return of play, substitute Gabriel Bonnah made an immediate impact, scoring just 40 seconds after coming on to secure all three points for the home side.
Their victory was however was tainted by the sad death of a die-hard supporter of the Porcupine Warriors, Frimpong Yaw Francis aka Pooley, who passed away after he was stabbed multiple times during the match.
The win leaves the reigning Cup champions in the 13th position with 21 points.
What has Nsoatreman FC said? “Nsoatreman Football Club extends its profound condolences to the entire Ghanaian sporting fraternity, particularly Kumasi Asante Kotoko and the family of the deceased supporter, who tragically lost his life near the Professor Amoah Koromansah II Stadium during a league game against the Kumasi-based giants this afternoon.”
“Initial reports gathered suggest that an altercation ensued between two supporters outside the stadium.
“We have been informed that an argument had earlier taken place between the deceased and the culprit at a nearby drinking spot, which later escalated into this stabbing incident behind the stadium.
“The altercation degenerated into fisticuffs, leading to the fatal stabbing of the deceased.
“Nsoatreman FC wishes to categorically condemn this act of violence in no uncertain terms.
“Football is not war, and as such, anyone who visits any stadium anywhere in this country must feel safe and, indeed, must be safe throughout the proceedings of the game”
Nsoatreman FC will fully cooperate with the Ghana Police Service and the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to ensure that the perpetrator of this crime is brought to justice.
“We urge all stakeholders to exercise restraint and support the relevant authorities as they conduct a thorough investigation into this regrettable incident.”
What has Kotoko said?
”Kotoko strongly condemns the violent and unacceptable incidents that marred our Ghana Premier League Matchweek 19 fixture against Nsoatreman FC at Nana Koramansah Park.”
“It was revealed that, from the moment of our arrival at the stadium, our team was subjected to open hostility, including confrontations from sections of the home supporters. Despite these provocations, we remained committed to fair competition and proceeded with the game in the spirit of sportsmanship.”
“Furthermore, the actions of the home crowd throughout the match were completely unacceptable. Missiles were thrown at our bench on multiple occasions, creating an unsafe environment for our players and officials. The situation escalated further when our Head of Media suffered a serious ear injury after being struck by an object. Additionally, in a shocking act of aggression, some supporters invaded the pitch and physically attacked our goalkeeper, Mohammed Camara, while also hurling missiles at him.”
“Reports indicate that media personnel and supporters who traveled from Kumasi to cover and support our team were also attacked. Tragically, one of our supporters, who was stabbed during the violence, has succumbed to his injuries at the hospital. This senseless loss of life is devastating, and we extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and the entire Asante Kotoko fraternity.
“These violent scenes resulted in extensive damage to valuable equipment belonging to our club. Laptops, communication devices used by our technical team, and other essential audio-visual gadgets were all destroyed in the chaos. This level of destruction is unacceptable and further highlights the urgent need for stronger security measures at league venues.”
“Despite these grave security breaches and due to our firm belief in fairness and the integrity of the competition, we continued and completed the game. Nevertheless, it is deeply troubling that such acts of hooliganism persist in our league, endangering players, officials, media personnel, and supporters.”
“Asante Kotoko will fully cooperate with the Ghana Football Association in any investigations and expect swift and firm action to be taken against those responsible. Football must be played in a secure and fair environment, and these acts of violence must not be tolerated.”
“We call on all stakeholders to take decisive steps to ensure the safety of all teams, officials, and supporters, as we remain resolute in our pursuit of professionalism and fair play.”
What has the Ghana Football Association said?
“The Ghana Football Association (GFA) strongly condemns the acts of violence and lawlessness that marred the Ghana Premier League match between Kumasi Asante Kotoko and Nsoatreman FC on 2nd February 2025 at Nana Kronamansah Park. The tragic events resulted in the loss of life, several injuries, and the destruction of property—an unacceptable blemish on the integrity of our game.”
“The GFA extends its deepest condolences to the family of the deceased and wishes a swift recovery to those injured.”
“The Executive Committee of the GFA has, with immediate effect, invoked Article 14(2) of the Premier League Regulations, by banning the use of the Nsoatreman FC home venue until further notice. This action ensures the safety of all stakeholders while investigations proceed.”
“Furthermore, the GFA has tasked the Security Committee led by DCOP Lydia Donkor and the FA Prosecutors, to immediately move to site and gather all necessary evidence, including match reports and relevant documentation, to present to the FA’s Disciplinary Committee for adjudication of all sporting matters.”
“Additionally, the GFA has formally engaged the Ghana Police Service to immediately conduct a full-scale investigation into the incident and bring all perpetrators to justice. We expect law enforcement agencies to deploy all necessary tools to ensure that those responsible for these heinous acts are identified, arrested, and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
“The GFA reminds all clubs, players, officials, and supporters that there is zero tolerance for acts of violence, intimidation, and hooliganism in Ghana football. The FA will not hesitate to impose severe sanctions on any club, official, or supporter found culpable of engaging in or inciting such behaviour.”
“Further updates on this matter, including decisions from the GFA Disciplinary Committee and law enforcement investigations, will be communicated in due course.”
