The Ghana Premier League Matchday 19 encounter between Nsoatreman FC and Asante Kotoko at Nana Konamansah Park on Sunday was marred by severe violence both on and off the field, resulting in the tragic death of a Kotoko supporter.
The trouble began in the second half when a heated on-field altercation broke out. A viral video showed Kotoko’s goalkeeper Mohammed Camara punching two Nsoatreman players on the sidelines, prompting captain Justice Blay to join the brawl.
While the exact cause remains unclear, the incident caused a significant delay as home fans threw objects at the visiting team. The referee ultimately issued red cards to both Camara and Blay, forcing Asante Kotoko to finish the match with nine players, which they subsequently lost 1-0, ending their seven-game unbeaten run.
Tragically, the violence spilled over into the stands and surrounding areas. Asante Kotoko later confirmed the fatal stabbing of one of their supporters, Francis Yaw Frimpong, known as Nana Pooley of the Supporters’ Communication Team, who succumbed to his injuries inflicted by unknown assailants.
In addition to the loss of life, Asante Kotoko reported that their media team suffered equipment losses, including a damaged laptop and camera, due to attacks by Nsoatreman supporters.
Following the incidents, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) has taken swift action, charging both clubs for misconduct and indefinitely banning the Nana Koronamansah Park. Both the GFA and law enforcement have initiated investigations to bring those responsible for the violence and the tragic death to justice.
