'New safety measures will give referees confidence to officiate fairly' â?? Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu

Former Ghana international Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu has expressed confidence that the new matchday safety and security protocols will give referees the assurance to officiate fairly.

Many believe poor officiating in the local leagues has contributed to the rise of hooliganism in Ghanaian football.

Badu, a former Great Olympics player, believes that referees, fearing for their safety, often make wrong decisions to favor intimidating teams. However, he is confident that the new protocols will help address this issue.

Speaking to Asempa FM, Agyemang-Badu said, The measures that have been put in place in recent times will give the referees some assurance to up their game and do their work without fear to ensure that the league goes on peacefully.The enhanced protocols were introduced after the tragic stabbing of Asante Kotoko fan Francis Frimpong, also known as Pooley, at Nana Koronmansah Park in Nsoatre.Following the incident, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) worked with football stakeholders and the Ghana Police Service to improve matchday security.The measures include the establishment of a Sports Police Unit, the introduction of sports security training in the Police Training Academy, and the appointment of Regional Sports Officers to oversee security at football events.The GFA has also emphasized that any criminal act at a football match will be treated as a serious offense under Ghanas criminal justice system. Read Full Story