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Hooliganism In Football; Why Ghana Fans Lose Interest In Going To Stadiums

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3 years ago

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Hooliganism In Football; Why Many Ghanaian Fans Have Lost Interest In Going To Stadium
Hooliganism In Football; Why Many Ghanaian Fans Have Lost Interest In Going To Stadium /getty images

Ghana’s version of El Classico will take place this Sunday, June 28 at the Accra Sports Stadium between the longest arch-rivals, Accra Hearts of Oak and Kumasi Asante Kotoko. That said, Hooliganism In Ghana Football has reached its crescendo, which is Why Many Ghanaian Fans Have Lost Interest In Going To Stadiums.

This game promises to be a cracker and it may go way long to decide who’s winning the 2020/21 Ghana Premier League.

Currently, both teams are level on the same points with 53 points each but separated by goal difference as the Accra-based club are league leaders.

Asante Kotoko vs Hearts of Oak Head-to-Head Stat and Results - 442 GH

Asante Kotoko vs Hearts of Oak Head-to-Head Stats

Games between Accra Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko are always the most-watched matches in Ghana, no matter where it’s been played, but with recent hooliganism creeping its way, some fans are already scared to go to the Stadium on Sunday.

Games between Kotoko and Hearts of Oak are like the “Clash of Titans,” often full of controversies, tension which may eventually lead to stadium outburst from agitated fans who may be offended by a referees decision or provoked by the opponent fans.

Hence, many football lovers have decided to stay away from any future trouble.

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May 9th disaster still loops: Kumasi Asante Kotoko and Accra Hearts of Oak.

On May 9, 2001, the nation was thrown into a state of mourning when 126 football fans died after crowd trouble erupted at a hotly disputed game between arch-rivals Kumasi Asante Kotoko and Accra Hearts of Oak.

Hooliganism In Football; Why Many Ghanaian Fans Have Lost Interest In Going To Stadium

Hooliganism In Football; Why Many Ghanaian Fans Have Lost Interest In Going To Stadium

The disaster was the worst of its kind in Africa and many close observers of Ghana football say it has played a major role in turning Ghanaian football stadiums into empty arenas with attendances on a sharp decline.

How did May 9 football stadium disaster happen in Ghana?

Hostilities had unfolded within the white lines of the stadium. Ironic cheers and boos filled the atmosphere.

Applause and chanting diffuse the tension intermittently, but none of the sides was prepared to go home a defeated unit. However, there was a loser and a winner. The scoreline ushered in the unexpected.

The Phobians [Hearts] were leading the Porcupine Warriors [Kotoko] 2-1 with only five minutes to stoppage time. Agitated fans hurled missiles on the pitch. The police responded with tear gas into the stands.

Gates were locked tightly. The fans had nowhere to seek refuge. They were trapped. Stampede ensued. Hell broke loose. Death was on the rampage.

Yaw Ampofo-Ankrah, a sports journalist in Accra, witnessed the fatal incident. “As I made my way towards the staircase, I froze! What I saw is something I will never forget for the rest of my life,” he told the BBC. “The most appalling look of fear and hopelessness was written across the faces of dying innocent young men. They were dying and there was nothing anybody could do to save them.”

Referees Assaulted by Football Fans

In recent times, a shadow of the May 9th disaster is gradually making its head into our beautiful game once more. In March this year, videos and photos that went viral on social media showed match officials being assaulted for alleged poor performance.

Match officials of a Ghana Division One League game between Wamanafo Mighty Royals and Tano Bofoakwa were assaulted after the fixture on Sunday, viral social media videos have shown.

Central referee Niatire Suntuo Aziz, his assistants Suleman Mohammed and Yakubu Abdul Rahman, and fourth referee Hasim Yakubu, were the victims on the day, the second-tier match having ended in a 0-0 draw at Wamanafo Park.

Interestingly, this game was a supposedly behind-closed-doors fixture owing to a standing Ghana Football Association directive mandating all matches in the country to be played without fans as part of coronavirus safety protocols.

According to reports filed by goal.com, fans of the home side Mighty Royals were unhappy by the referees’ performance and angrily vented their anger for perceived unfair officiating.

Viral social media videos showed the helpless officials mobbed by the fans who did not hold back in launching a physical assault, leaving the officials bloody and bruised.

In the elite division last year, giants Asante Kotoko suffered an indefinite ban after fans similarly attacked match officials for perceived poor officiating during a Premier League clash with Berekum Chelsea.

The violent incident led to one supporter suffering bullet wounds in the face as the police sought to intervene.

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A weak GFA, strong football fans

Many Ghanaians have blamed the Ghana Football Association for its inability to come out with heavy sanctions for perpetrators of hooliganism in stadiums. Because of that many football fans continue to put matters into their own hands ending in assaulting match officials.

In foreign countries, any football fan who is found guilty of causing stadium disturbance is given a life ban from attending any football stadiums till death. The football clubs ensure that such a person serves the duly punishment.

Karela United fans invade pitch to beat players and match officials

However, In Ghana, proper sanctions like stadium life ban for football fans who assault or cause stadium disturbance are unlikely to be seen since both the clubs and GFA may lose some match day revenue.

In this case, one can easily conclude that Ghana has not learned any lessons from the May 9th disaster as more hooliganism continues to happen in stadiums. For this reason, most football fans who fear their lives have decided to stay home and watch the games on TV.

No fence in stadiums

One way to stop football fans from invading stadiums to assault or cause stadium disturbance is to get all our football stadium metal fences as we see in most European stadiums or like Accra Sports Stadium and Kumasi Sports Stadium.

Most of the incidents involving fans invading the pitch to assault match officials are not fenced.

These fences make it impossible for agitated fans to invade the pitch to cause any commotion.

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Haaland Forced to Decide His Future Now as Man Utd Makes Quick Offer

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2 years ago

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January 15, 2022

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Haaland Forced to Decide His Future Now as Man Utd Makes Quick Offer

Borussia Dortmund’s Killer Striker Erling Haaland Has Been Forced to Decide His Future Right Now as Man Utd Prepare to Make a Quick Offer.

Rangnick’s Manchester United could be forced to act quickly to land Borussia Dortmund striker Erling Haaland after the superstar admitted his club are pushing him for a decision about his future. Haaland has been tipped to leave the German giants after becoming one of the best strikers in the world.

Under former United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Haaland was made the principle striking target for United and the Old Trafford club remain keen on the Norwegian superstar, who now has 77 goals in as many games in North Rhine-Westphalia. City also view Haaland as a top target as they seek a successor to Sergio Aguero.

Ralf Rangnick reportedly asked Manchester United bosses to target a midfield trio, as well as Erling Haaland, in his interview to become their new manager.

The German boss was hired by Man United on an interim basis until the end of the season having impressed football director John Murtough, technical director Darren Fletcher and executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward in interview.

Rangnick identified the midfield as the key area of weakness while in talks with the United hierarchy and suggested three players they should be targeting to improve them in that area.

Haaland was in action on Friday night as he grabbed a brace in his side’s 5-1 Bundesliga thumping of SC Freiburg.

And after the game he admitted he will soon turn his attentions to planning the next steps of his career.

Borussia Dortmund are now pushing me to make a decision about things,” Haaland said.

“But I just want to play football. That probably means that I will soon have to get things started.

Bundelsiga giants Dortmund spent just £17.1million to sign Haaland from Red Bull Salzburg at the start of 2020 after meeting his release clause.

Haaland impressive stats attract Man Utd interest

Manchester United top target Haaland has been a revelation in Germany.

Erling Haaland has racked-up a staggering 78 goals in 77 games for Dortmund and has proved too hot for even the best defenders in the league to handle.

This season he has already scored 15 goals and contributed six assists in the Bundesliga to help his side climb to second in the table.

Manchester United Given Erling Haaland Transfer Boost, CR7

Manchester United and Man City have been linked with Borussia Dortmund forward Erling Haaland who has revealed the German side are now applying pressure on his future.

Dortmund striker Erling Haaland has revealed that his club have begun to put pressure on him regarding a decision about his future.

The 21-year-old ended his two-game wait for a goal with a brace in a comprehensive win over SC Freiburg as Dortmund won to put the pressure on league leaders Bayern Munich.

A whole host of clubs have been touted with a move for the highly-rated forward including Manchester United and Man City, though it’s been widely reported that Real Madrid are the frontrunners.

Haaland has two years left on his current deal at Signal Iduna Park but European powerhouses are on red alert with his reported £66m (€75m) release clause becoming active in the summer.

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Ghana Premier League

Manchester United Suffers a Huge Setback in Their Efforts to Sign Kieran Trippier

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3 years ago

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August 18, 2021

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Manchester United Suffers a Huge Setback in Their Efforts to Sign Kieran Trippier /getty images

Recent LaLiga winners Atletico Madrid have dealt a big blow to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Manchester United Have Been Dealt a Huge Setback in Their Efforts to Sign Kieran Trippier this summer. Atleti have finally declared that the offensive right back is not sale now.

Football Fan Cast said the Red Devils have been linked with a move for the 30-year-old Trippier throughout the summer as manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer looks to add some cover and competitions for first-choice right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka.

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However, it’s now looking increasingly unlikely that Trippier will return to English shores in the current window, with Spanish outlet AS claiming the La Liga outfit have informed United that he’s not for sale.

Their report states: “Strength at the back remains at the heart of the team’s identity and an asset which they don’t take for granted. Precisely for that reason, the club has made it clear that they are not prepared to enter negotiations with any club for Kieran Trippier.

Atletico Madrid’s stance on Kieran Trippier transfer to Man utd

“The response from Atlético Madrid to every single inquiry about right-back Trippier has been a resounding No. Atleti have had to explain several times that Trippier is an important player for the team in their defence of the title and he isn’t for sale.”

It concludes by revealing the only way for any interested party can prize the full-back away from Wanda Metropolitano is by meeting the €60m (£51m) buyout clause in his contract.

Why Solskjaer needs Trippier?

Trippier has established himself as a top-class right-back in recent years following a string of impressive performances for both Tottenham Hotspur and Atletico Madrid.

Kieran has outstanding quality, and that kind of profile in that position is very important.”

While Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s defensive qualities are unquestionable, the former Crystal Palace gem struggles with the attacking aspect of his game.

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Ghana Premier League

Accra Hearts of Oak Crowned League Champions After 12 Years; Beautiful Photos Drop

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3 years ago

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July 19, 2021

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Asante Kotoko’s fierce rivals Accra Hearts of Oak have officially been crowned champions of the 2020/21 Ghana Premier League season despite defeat on the final day to WAFA.

The Phobians were confirmed winners of the league last week after their draw against Liberty Professionals but were handed the trophy in a coronation ceremony at WAFA on Saturday.

In photos seen by Sportsfila.com, posted by the Ghana Premier League on Twitter, the 21 times champions were handed the trophy and their medals.

Although the Phobians lost on the final day to West Africa Football Academy, it did not mar the ceremony as fans chanted and danced to their anthem amid spectacular celebrations.

Togolese midfielder Youssifou Atte scored a beautiful freekick in the second half to separate the two sides in a pulsating encounter at the Red Bull Arena.

The Phobians walked away with the prize money of GHC 250,000 and will represent Ghana in the CAF Champions League next season.

Meanwhile, WAFA finished the season in third place and received GHC 85,000 as prize money.

Hearts have the chance to win the double when they face Elmina Sharks in the last eight of the MTN FA Cup.

GPL: Hearts of Oak Confirmed Champions After Kotoko Lost To Bechem United Since 2009

GPL: Hearts of Oak Confirmed Champions

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FiFa President Congratulates Hearts of Oak for GPL victory

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has congratulated Accra Hearts of Oak for emerging as champions of the 2020-21 Ghana Premier League season.
In a letter to Ghana Football Association(GFA) President, Kurt Okraku, the FIFA President hailed Hearts of Oak’s victory, putting it down to the hardwork, passion and commitment exhibited by every member of the team towards their triumph.

“Please allow me to congratulate Hearts of Oak for having been crowned 2020/21 champions of Ghana!,” the FIFA President wrote.

“This title is, no doubt, the result of hard work, passion and commitment, and everyone at the club can be proud of this important achievement. I would be grateful if you could please extend my congratulations to everybody involved, whom I encourage to continue working with team spirit, passion and determination.

“On behalf of the international football community, I finally take this opportunity to thank you and your Association for your contribution to the development and the prosperity of football in Ghana, in your region and around the world. I look forward to seeing you again soon”.

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