The Inspector General of Police, George Akuffo Dampare, has called on the football community to recognize the tragic killing of Asante Kotoko supporter, Francis Frimpong, popularly known as ‘Nana Pooley,’ as a criminal act.
Nana Pooley was fatally stabbed by unknown assailants during the Matchday 19 clash between Nsoatreman FC and Asante Kotoko at Nana Kronmansah Park on Sunday. The match had already been marred by on-field altercations involving players and officials.
In response to the incident, the Ghana Police Service has arrested five individuals, including Ignatius Baffour Awuah, the owner of Nsoatreman FC.
Speaking at a meeting with the leadership of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) on Wednesday at the Police Headquarters, Dampare called for collective action against hooliganism in football.
“We urge the football fraternity to support us [Ghana Police] in this endeavor to bring the culprits to book.
“The football family must see this as a crime being investigated, and nothing else.
“This will help all those involved to have closure. We must use this tragic event to learn the relevant lessons and come out with a blueprint to ensure football continues to be a game people enjoy, and not one where people lose their lives,” he said.
In response to growing concerns over violence at football venues, the GFA has scheduled an emergency meeting today with all Premier League clubs to discuss measures to curb hooliganism in the sport.
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