Ghana Premier League side Bofoakwa Tano have temporarily been banned from honouring their home matches at the Sunyani Coronation Park after home fans allegedly assaulted the coach of opponent team Nsoatreman FC.
It comes just hours after reports of acts of hooliganism were registered at the stadium, which hosts the newly promoted side.
Coach Maxwell Konadu was reportedly beaten to a pulp on Sunday by angry Boafoakwa fans after the goalless draw against Nsoatreman FC in their Match Day 11 in the GPL.
According to reports, tensions escalated when a group of Bofoakwa fans resorted to violence against Coach Maxwell Konadu, who is alleged to have made some caustic remarks against the dejected home fans.
The assault inflicted serious injuries on the coach, who went unconscious, prompting immediate medical attention, the report adds.
Not only did the former Black Stars coach bear the brunt of the attack, but some playing body and supporters of Nsoatreman Fc as well as match officials were not spared from the assault.
In an immediate response to the incident, the Executive Council of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) has taken the decision to temporarily ban Bofoakwa Tano FC from using Sunyani Coronation Park as its home venue.
The ban is in accordance with Article 14(2) of the GFA Premier League Regulations, which stipulates that the GFA may order the closure of any league centre where the safety of clubs, match officials, or spectators is compromised.
The Competitions Department has been advised to determine an alternative venue for Bofoakwa’s subsequent home matches based on Article 14(3) of the Premier League Regulations.
It’s important to note that this ban does not prejudice the ongoing case before the Disciplinary Committee.
“The GFA notes the unacceptable conduct of the supporters of the home team, Bofoakwa Tano FC, and condemns, without any reservations, the violations of the provisions of the GFA’s Safety and Security Regulations and the Premier League Regulations that took place at the match,” it said.
“The GFA Prosecutors have been tasked with studying all the video evidence and the match reports, recommending appropriate charges immediately, and requesting that the Disciplinary Committee sit on this matter expeditiously.
Both clubs have issued a statement to condemned the incident but the FA has urged the home side to assist in police investigation.
“The GFA demands that Bofoakwa Tano FC shall immediately assist the Regional Police to cause the arrest of the persons involved in this attack on the away team and the holding of the match officials hostage, without fail, in accordance with the promise given by the clubs to the Inspector General of Police in our engagement with the leadership of the Ghana Police Service.
“The Association has instructed the Competitions Department to fix the venues for the upcoming home matches of Bofoakwa Tano FC until the case is determined, with due regard to the distance to be travelled by the away teams (note that matches can be fixed at the home of the away team if required).”
They also extended a word of caution to other football fans at other venues, as this ban serves as a strong reminder that any form of violence within Ghanaian football will not be tolerated.
“That all clubs are to take note and comply strictly with the Safety and Security Regulations and the GFA Disciplinary Code,” it said.
“The GFA wishes to sound a strong note of caution to all members (especially all clubs) that the slightest harassment or attack on Players, Team Officials, Match Officials (Referees, Match Commissioners, GFA Cameramen & Women, Venue Media Officers, the sports media) shall be dealt with severely and swiftly.”
Meanwhile, the police authorities have launched a manhunt to identify and apprehend the individuals involved, acting swiftly in the interest of maintaining law and order.
