“Stultum est timere quod vitare non potes. It is foolish to fear what you cannot avoid” – PUBLIUS SYRUS
There are only 3 things in football, a win, loss and draw. In our part of the world, teams always want to win at all cost especially when playing at their home grounds with their supporters behind them. In their dictionary, they do not have a loss or draw in it. What they always fail to recognized is that, a loss or draw cannot be avoided. Over the years, Ghana football has been characterized with all sorts of negative things, particularly hooliganism, brutalism and bribery that only give our football bad image. It is very dangerous to watch soccer in centres such as Berekum Golden City Park, Obuasi Len Clay sports stadium, Swedru sports stadium, and to some extent the Tema sports stadium. Lately, the Baba Yara stadium and the Ohene Djan aren’t safe either. Kotoko supporters broke the fibre glass door and a section of the inner perimeter at the Ohene Djan stadium in Accra to show their displeasure at the way the men in black handled the game between the Porcupine warriors, Kotoko and SP Mirren. Kotoko was subsequently punished and made to pay for the replacement of the fibre glass in US dollar equivalent. The team was fined heavily and defenders, Godfred Yeboah and Ofosu Appiah were also fined for charging on the referee by the Ghana Football Association (GFA) disciplinary committee. Supporters and followers of Ghana football condemned the action from a section of Kotoko supporters. Our brothers on the other side, Accra Hearts of Oak called the Kotoko supporters all sorts of names and even called on the (GFA) to punish Kotoko even more to serve as a deterrent.
Then at the Baba Yara stadium in Kumasi, 4 people were pronounced dead when they came to the stadium to watch the 9th week league match of the Glo premier league game between Kotoko and Hearts of Oak in which the fabulous boys lost by a goal to two. Immediately, a committee was set up by the then Honourable minister, Mohammed Muntaka Mubarak where Kotoko CEO, Sylvester Asare Owusu was punished severely. The then National Sports Council boss was also punished by the minister on behalf of the government. Aziz Haruna of chapter O and some Hearts supporters called Kotoko names. They chastised the team any time they had the opportunity to go on air.
What the country and the world experienced last week in the 27th week league fixture of the Glo Premier League game between Accra Hearts of Oak and Bechem Chelsea was regrettable, disgraceful and unpardonable. Like the previous ones, this must also be condemned. Hearts went into the midweek match fixture against Chelsea and they were seeking their first win in 7 matches. However, unluckily for them, they played against a Bechem Chelsea side that was so disciplined tactically and also well composed. This is a team that had beaten them severely in Bechem. Chelsea gave them a stiff opposition and the game ended a pulsating 1 – 1 draw. It was very very sad to see the supporters of the Accra team go on rampage and immediately attacked the referee and his assistants when the game came to an end. Assistant referee one, Dawood ouadraogo was mercilessly beaten till he fell into coma. He was then rushed to the Stadium hospital and then to the Ridge hospital for treatment.
This is really a clear predetermined act of hooliganism, brutalism, barbarism and vandalism. Their management members at the stadium were prevented by some supporters at the VIP when they tried to stop and prevent any nasty scene. During the President’s cup match on July 7 2009 at the Ohene Djan stadium when Hearts played Sekondi Eleven Wise, supporters of Hearts also tried to attack the GFA President, Kwesi Nyantakyi. For me, it is an indictment on Ghana football and the right thing must be done otherwise, it will go a long way to tarnish the image of our game. I am however calling on the GFA to apply the rules without fear or favour and punish offenders. The video is there for them to make their judgement. Some supporters found on the pitch are well-known by all and should be arrested and prosecuted. Elsewhere, it is done and I expect the authorities to act swiftly. Justice delayed means justice denied. Just as the government swiftly set up a committee of enquiry to investigate the events of February 8, 2009 when Kotoko played Hearts in Kumasi, I expect nothing but the same measure of interest and swiftness of investigation will apply accordingly. Government should show interest in the safety and security of every Ghanaian, including assistant referee Dawood Ouadraogo who was beaten to the point of death. The GFA DC did not stutter to impose a huge fine on Kotoko for misconduct and I expect them to act appropriately in this case as well. Eyes are watching!!!
The 29th week also recorded ugly scenes at the Len Clay sports stadium. Stones were thrown at Kotoko supporters after Kotoko scored the first goal in the 32nd minute of the first half, courtesy Daniel Nii Adjei. Subsequently, tear gas were fired, including warning shots from the police. There is also an alleged bribery case against Ashgold officials by Kotoko officials. If the reports that we are hearing from Sarfo Gyamfi and Rev. Osei Kofi that 2 Ashgold officials came to see 2 unnamed Kotoko officials to play a match of convenience to pave way for Ashgold to escape relegation is anything to go by, then the FA and our security agencies must investigate this matter. As I said earlier on, we are all watching. Justice must prevail.
FELIX DONKOR (FEDOK)
www.felixdonkor.blogspot.com
www.newsafrican.com
