Asante Kotoko Interim Management Committee member, James Kwesi Appiah, has shed light on what transpired at the Nana Konamansah Park which led to the death of Kotoko fan Nana Pooley.
The game was marred by controversy, including a brawl involving players from both sides as four players – three Kotoko players and one Nsoatreman player were sent off as a result.
Appiah, speaking with Ghana Sports Page, expressed his frustration over the lack of adequate security at the venue, stating that authorities had promised to deploy 120 police officers, but fewer than 20 were present.
“They told us they would bring 120 police officers, but the number of officers present was not even up to 20.”
“Secondly, when the scuffle happened on the pitch, calm was restored. On what basis did the referee give Kotoko two red cards while Nsoatreman received only one? Both teams’ players were involved in the fight, so how is that fair? ” he told Ghana Sports Page.
According to Appiah, former Member of Parliament (MP) and owner of Nsoatreman FC Ignatius Baffour-Awuah suggested that he join the latter to calm the crowd after an on-field scuffle transcended to the stands.
He continued that, given that Kotoko supporters were outnumbered in the stadium, the visiting fans in the VIP section warned him not to go, fearing for his safety.
“The MP asked me to go and calm the fans down, but it was his supporters causing the trouble, and we were outnumbered. The Kotoko fans at the VIP section said, ‘No, we won’t let you go because it’s risky.’” Kwesi Appiah reveals to African best sports outlets ghanasportspage.com
Appiah alleged that the former MP incited the home supporters to attack Kotoko fans. He recounted how five heavily built men entered the VIP section, demanding to take Nana Pooley and the Ashanti Regional Supporters Chairman, which led to a confrontation that ensued when Kotoko fans questioned the reason for their removal.
“The MP got upset that we didn’t join him on the field and incited the fans to attack us. Five macho men came to the VIP section, saying they wanted to take the deceased Nana Pooley and the Ashanti Regional Supporters Chairman. We asked why since they had done nothing wrong, which led to a fight.” Kwesi Appiah told China based Ghanaian journalist, Sir Martin on ghanasportspage.com.
Appiah revealed that he was caught in the attack as he was struck by a sachet of water during the melee, adding that Ignatius Baffour-Awuah intervened and halted the violence briefly. He also noted that he exited the venue right after the brief halt.
“I even got hit by a sachet of water in the process. It was only after that incident that the former minister intervened and told the fans to stop, and they finally did. As soon as they stopped, I left the stadium and did not watch the game again.”
He further accounted that the same men who had earlier attempted to remove Pooley were waiting for him at the stadium entrance, where the tragic incident ultimately unfolded.
“What we didn’t know at the time was that the same men who earlier wanted to take Pooley away were waiting for him at the entrance.”
The untimely death of Nana Pooley has sparked outrage among Kotoko fans and football stakeholders, raising serious concerns about security at league venues and fan violence in Ghanaian football. Investigations are ongoing as the football community mourns the loss of a passionate supporter.
