A passionate fan of Ghana’s Asante Kotoko football team, Francis Yaw Frimpong, known as Pooley, was stabbed to death during a match against Nsoatreman on Sunday.

According to the BBC, the incident happened after a heated argument with an unidentified man. Pooley’s death has shocked the football community, with Asante Kotoko calling it a “senseless loss of life.” Violence at football matches is not new in Ghana, with a tragic riot in 2001 killing over 120 people in Accra.

The match in Nsoatre was also disrupted by fan violence, with spectators throwing objects onto the pitch and some invading the field to attack players and officials. Asante Kotoko’s goalkeeper, Mohammed Camara, was among those assaulted.

Despite the chaos, the game resumed, and Asante Kotoko lost 1-0. Both teams condemned the violence, with Nsoatreman stating, “The game of football is not a war.”

Tributes for Pooley have flooded social media, with his name trending in Ghana. He was a well-known Asante Kotoko supporter who often discussed his team on the radio.

In response to the incident, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) has banned Nsoatreman from using their home stadium, Nana Koramansah Park, until further notice.

The GFA has also postponed the next round of league matches while an investigation takes place. The association said it is committed to improving safety and ensuring such incidents are dealt with firmly.

The BBC highlights that this tragedy has sparked calls for better security at football matches in Ghana. Despite past efforts, like fines and stadium bans for teams that break safety rules, violence remains a problem.

Attacks on referees, players, and fans continue to raise concerns about the effectiveness of current measures. Pooley’s death is a grim reminder of the need for stricter safety protocols to protect everyone involved in the game.

For now, Ghana’s football community mourns the loss of a devoted fan while demanding change to prevent future tragedies.

Credit : BBC

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cly91zgdp0vo

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