On February 2, 2025, Asante Kotoko supporter Francis Frimpong, known as Pooley, was stabbed to death amid post-match violence after Kotoko’s defeat to Nsoatreman FC. Violence marred the game, including pre-match clashes and player altercations leading to red cards. The GFA has banned the stadium and launched an investigation into the incident.
The ongoing issue of football violence in Ghana re-emerged on February 2, 2025, following a tragic incident where an Asante Kotoko supporter, Francis Frimpong, known as Pooley, was fatally stabbed during post-match violence after Kotoko lost 1-0 to Nsoatreman FC. This incident marked a grim continuation of safety challenges within Ghanaian football, raising serious concerns about spectator safety.
Leading up to the game, tensions were evident as fans from both Asante Kotoko and Nsoatreman clashed, hindering the team bus’s ability to enter the stadium. Authorities managed to calm the situation temporarily, but the atmosphere remained charged throughout the event.
Violence escalated further during the match, where players also became involved in physical confrontations. Notably, Asante Kotoko goalkeeper Mohammed Camara was seen throwing punches at two Nsoatreman players, joined by captain Justice Blay in a chaotic scene, which saw both players sent off, leaving Kotoko with only eight on the field.
The post-match chaos proved catastrophic when Pooley was stabbed multiple times, succumbing to his injuries later. Asante Kotoko condemned the violence in an official statement, mourning the loss of their loyal fan and denouncing the unsafe conditions that allowed such incidents.
In response to the violence, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) took immediate action by banning Nana Koromansah II Park, the home ground of Nsoatreman FC, for safety reasons, per Premier League regulations. The GFA also initiated an investigation to uncover the circumstances surrounding the violence, tasking law enforcement to probe further into the matter.
The incident underscores a persistent problem of football-related violence in Ghana, highlighting failures by authorities such as the Ghana Football Association and the Ghana Police Service to ensure the safety of fans. The heightened tensions and physical altercations during matches have raised alarms regarding the environment fans endure while supporting their teams, suggesting a need for systemic reforms in crowd control and safety protocols.
The violence surrounding the match between Asante Kotoko and Nsoatreman FC illustrates the ongoing issue of hooliganism in Ghanaian football, culminating in the tragic loss of a dedicated fan. The GFA’s immediate actions reflect a response to these concerns, yet long-term solutions are necessary to safeguard future matches.
Original Source: www.ghanaweb.com
