Concord Times (Freetown)
Mohamed Massaquoi
21 December 2011
Kenema — Police personnel attached to the Kenema Police Station are presently investigating the circumstances that led to the untimely death of a 45-year old Arsenal FC supporter who slumped while watching the Arsenal FC and Manchester City encounter over the weekend and subsequently died.
In the joyful spirit of the season, the deceased, Abdul Azis Bala, joined a battery of football lovers who converged on the We Yone Cinema situated on 9, Kalilu Street on Sunday to support their respective clubs.
Unfortunately, Bala lost his life as soon as the first and sudden goal was scored against his team, Arsenal FC. Other Arsenal FC supporters at the scene were shocked by the sudden demise of Bala who had earlier in the day engaged in series of arguments before the match commenced.
“We were all together arguing for Arsenal. He was a strong supporter and always challenges those who are against his team,” one of the late Bala’s friends, Usman Lahai, explained. “We were seated closely discussing the match and some of the players. When the goal was scored and spectators went into jubilation, he collapsed and went into a coma. He died later while rushing him to the hospital.”
Meanwhile as medical report stated that Bala died of heart attack, the police, headed by the Regional Crime Officer East, ASP James Kargbo, have arrested the owner of the cinema, Amadu Jalloh, to enquire about how the entertainment centre has been operating particularly the situation under which the tragic incident occurred among others.
“We have nothing against those arrested but the law makes provisions for us to investigate circumstances that lead to such an unfortunate incident,” ASP Kargbo said. “We want to know if the cinema is registered and whether the environment is conducive to accommodate such a large crowd.”
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