Accra Lions chief expresses concern over hooliganism in Ghana Premier League after fatal stabbing

Nana Obiri Yeboah, Chief Executive Officer of Accra Lions, has voiced his concerns regarding the recent act of hooliganism in the Ghana Premier League, following the tragic death of Asante Kotoko supporter, Francis Frimpong, commonly known as Pooley.The incident, which occurred during the Week 19 clash between Asante Kotoko and Nsoatreman in Nsoatre, has raised serious questions about the safety of fans and the image of the league.Pooley was fatally stabbed during the post-match violence that erupted between the fans of the two clubs, prompting the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to suspend the league. The GFA is scheduled to meet with the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr George Akufo Dampare, and representatives from the 18 Premier League clubs to discuss measures to curb such incidents. Asante Kotoko has also announced their withdrawal from the competition until justice is served.Speaking on Sporty FM, Yeboah expressed his concern that incidents like this could discourage fans from attending matches, which would further damage the already fragile reputation of the Ghana Premier League. I dont know what we're going to do to convince the public, who are already not happy with the Ghana Premier League brand, to go to stadiums after what happened in Nsoatre, he said.He further pointed out the potential consequences of Kotokos withdrawal from the league, adding, Kotoko is the biggest club in Ghana. If they withdraw from the league, it'll really be costly.Meanwhile, legal action continues regarding the incident. A District Court B in Sunyani has imposed travel restrictions on Ignatius Baffour-Awuah, President of Nsoatreman and former Minister of Employment and Labour Relations, who is a suspect in the murder case. He has been ordered to submit his passport to the court registry for 14 days. Baffour-Awuah, alongside another suspect, Joseph Kyeremeh, has been granted bail and is expected to appear in court on Monday, February 17, 2025. A third suspect, Agyemang Duah Owusu, has been remanded in police custody.The tragic events in Nsoatreman have cast a dark shadow over the Ghana Premier League, with authorities now focusing on ensuring justice and safeguarding the future of football in the country. Read Full Story