GFA Bans Bofoakwa Tano Park After Crowd Violence During Premier League Match

The Ghana Football Association has banned the Sunyani Coronation Park, home venue of Bofoakwa Tano, following crowd violence that disrupted a Ghana Premier League match against Asante Kotoko on Sunday.

The GFA said the ban takes immediate effect and will remain in force pending investigations into the incidents that led to assault on match officials and damage to property at the stadium.

According to Graphic Online which reported on October 28, the Ghana Football Association has banned the Sunyani Coronation Park, home venue of Bofoakwa Tano, following crowd violence that disrupted a Ghana Premier League match against Asante Kotoko.

The Association said reports from the match commissioner and referee indicated that fans invaded the pitch after a controversial penalty decision, threw objects onto the field and attacked match officials, forcing the match to be abandoned in the 85th minute.

According to CitiNewsroom which reported on October 28, the GFA Disciplinary Committee has summoned Bofoakwa Tano to respond to charges of misconduct, failure to control supporters and breach of stadium safety regulations that led to the violent incidents during the match.

The Committee noted that the club could face sanctions including fines, playing matches behind closed doors and possible deduction of points if found guilty of failing to ensure safety at the stadium during the match against Kotoko.

According to GBC Ghana Online which reported on October 28, the Ghana Football Association said it has referred the matter to the Ghana Police Service for investigations and possible prosecution of individuals identified as having participated in the crowd violence and assault on officials.

The GFA stated that it will not tolerate hooliganism and violence in Ghana football and will take firm action against clubs whose supporters engage in acts that bring the game into disrepute and endanger lives.

According to GhanaWeb which reported on October 28, Bofoakwa Tano has apologized to the GFA, match officials and Asante Kotoko for the incidents and has promised to cooperate with investigations to identify perpetrators and prevent future occurrences.

The club said it is putting measures in place to enhance security at its home matches including increasing stewards, installing CCTV cameras and engaging supporters on acceptable behaviour to ensure safety at the stadium.

Football stakeholders have condemned the violence and called for stricter enforcement of safety regulations at league centres to protect players, officials and fans and to preserve the integrity and image of the Ghana Premier League.

The Ghana Football Association has assured clubs and supporters that it will continue to promote fair play and discipline and will sanction any acts of violence that threaten the development of football in the country.

Newzhit feedback-opera-news-app@opera.com