A fan of one of Ghana's biggest football teams, Asante Kotoko, has died after being stabbed to death at a match against their neighbours Nsoatreman.
Francis Yaw Frimpong, better known as Pooley, was k!lled following a heated argument with an unidentified man during the game, according to a statement from Nsoatreman.
It was gathered that Sunday's match in the central town of Nsoatre was marred by fan violence, with people throwing objects onto the pitch. Things escalated when some spectators stormed the field, attacking players and officials.
The match resumed after a brief halt, with Asante Kotoko ultimately losing 1-0 to Nsoatreman.
So far, the police has arrested three suspects; former employment and labor relations minister, Ignatius Baffour Awuah, Agyemang Duah Owusu and Kyeremeh Joseph.
During a search of suspect Agyemang Duah Owusu's residence, police discovered two dresses with suspected bloodstains and an MP 23 pistol loaded with 15 rounds of ammunition.
Frimpong was stabbed by a yet-to-be-identified individual, moments after he had ducked a missile, reportedly thrown by another fan of Nsoatreman F.C.
Meanwhile, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) has charged ten players for their respective roles in the brawl that ensued on the pitch.
Six of them; Stephen Diyou sent off during the match for fighting Frank Dongballe,Abdul Rahaman Mohammed, Walid Neymar Fuseini, Mohammed Issaka and Eric Osei Bonsu, are from Nsoatreman.
Mohammed Camara, Gilbani O'Neil Ndongani Samba, Andres Ntim Manu, and Justice Blay of Kotoko, have also been charged for breaching Section 12(1)(j) of the GFA Disciplinary Code, 2019, which addresses misconduct and unsporting behaviour.
Both teams, Asante Kotoko and Nsoatreman have condemned the clashes.
In response to the incident, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) has banned Nsoatreman from using their home venue, Nana Koramansah Park, until further notice while an investigation is conducted.
Additionally, the GFA has postponed the next round of league matches.
"The GFA has been working to improve the overall football experience in Ghana and is keen to ensure that this incident is dealt with swiftly and decisively to send the signal that such acts have no place in Ghana football," the association said in a statement on Monday.
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