Accra Hearts of Oak have been charged by the Ghana Football Association’s (GFA) Disciplinary Committee for allegedly allowing unauthorized individuals into the safe zone during their recent league match.
The incident reportedly occurred during Hearts’ 2-0 victory over Young Apostles on Saturday night at the University of Ghana Stadium.
According to the GFA Prosecutor, the club permitted unaccredited supporters into the restricted area to celebrate, violating matchday safety regulations.
A statement from the FA detailed the charges:
“Accra Hearts of Oak SC have been charged with breaches of Article 8(e) of the GFA Enhanced Matchday Safety and Security Protocols, 2025, and Article 34(6)(d) of the GFA Ghana Premier League Regulations, 2019, following their Ghana Premier League game against Young Apostles FC.
“It is alleged that the club allowed unaccredited persons, specifically its supporters, to enter the safe zone to celebrate—an act that constitutes misconduct and brings the game into disrepute.
“They have until Tuesday, March 11, 2025, to respond to the charges.”
This was the first league match since early February, following a five-week suspension of the Ghana Premier League due to the tragic stabbing of Francis Frimpong, popularly known as “Nana Pooley,” during a clash between Nsoatreman FC and Asante Kotoko at Nana Kronmansah Park. Pooley was laid to rest on March 6 in Kumasi.
In response to recent security concerns, the GFA has introduced enhanced matchday security protocols and deployed regional safety officers from the Ghana Police Service to improve safety at league venues.
Despite the controversy, Hearts of Oak currently sit atop the Ghana Premier League table with 36 points, holding a two-point lead over rivals Asante Kotoko and Bibiani Gold Stars, both of whom have a game in hand.