Police Identify 4 In Kotoko-Nations Game Riot

Four people have been identified in connection with alleged inappropriate behaviour towards match officials during the Matchday 23 clash between the Asante Kotoko Sporting Club and Nations FC on Sunday.

The Safety and Security Committee of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) in a statement on Wednesday said four suspects had been identified in an ongoing investigation after the Committee liaised with the Kumasi Regional Police Command.

“So far, four suspects have been identified and it is expected that they will cooperate fully with the Police in their investigations.”

Condemning the incident, the Committee said Referee James Taylor and his two assistants Kwesi Brobbey and Roland Addy as well as fourth official Hasim Yakubu were also apparently subjected to abuse and attacks by fans at the Baba Yara Stadium.

It recognizes that such conducts tarnish the image of the game and thereby its resolve to work with the Police to weed out hooliganism and restore sanity at match venues.

Meanwhile, it has promised to bring the perpetrators of the recent violence to book.

“We hereby wish to remind Clubs, team officials, and supporters about their core responsibilities and duties, before, during and after, all football matches at all times.

“The Safety and Security Committee will ensure compliance with relevant regulations and create a safe match-day environment for players, match officials, supporters and everyone associated with the game.”

Supporters of the Porcupines are reported to have attempted to attack the officiating referee in the middle of the game as they felt his work fell short of the standard.

As a result of the incident, the FA has charged Kotoko with a breach of Section 34(6)(d) of the GFA Premier League Regulations, 2019.