Reports indicate that a Kotoko fan, known as “Pooley,” lost his life after being stabbed in Nsoatre during a brawl involving players from both teams and some supporters.
Asante Kotoko have announced that their fan has died after a 1-0 defeat to Nsoatreman on Sunday (02 Febraury) at the Nana Koramansah Park in the Ghana Premier League in a game marred by violence.
The results means Asante Kotoko have dropped to second place behind Bibiani Gold Stars on goal difference.
Reports indicate that a Kotoko fan, known as “Pooley,” lost his life after being stabbed in Nsoatre during a brawl involving players from both teams and some supporters.
“Tragically, one of our supporters who was stabbed during the violence has succumbed to his injuries at the hospital.” the club said in a statement.
The trouble began in the 52nd minute when tempers flared, and aggrieved Kotoko players clashed with their Nsoatreman counterparts over a challenge. The game ended with 19 players as both sides had players sent off.
Kotoko duo Justice Blay and Mohammed Camara, and Nsoatreman’s Stephen Diyou were sent off in the 65th minute.
“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.”
“Unfortunately, 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.”
“Beyond the events on the field, reports indicate that media personnel and supporters who traveled from Kumasi to cover and support our team were also attacked.”
Asante Kotoko also “strongly condemns the violent and unacceptable incidents” that happened at the game.
“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 because of 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.”- the club added.
