Asante Kotoko SC has been charged on four counts of misconduct in
respect of their Ghana Premier League Day 3 match against Berekum
Chelsea at the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi.
The Kumasi based club was charged on a first count of misconduct for
the behavior of their fans at the end of the first half. The supporters
of the club who were identified in Kotoko replica jerseys threatened the
Match Officials.
On the second count, Asante Kotoko was charged for the behavior their
supporters put up after recess. The supporters were alleged to have
threatened the match officials when they were leaving the dressing room
to start the second half of the match.
Thirdly, the Club has been charged concerning the throwing of objects
by their supporters onto the field of play leading to a temporary halt
for about five minutes.
Lastly, the Club is charged for holding the match officials hostage
in the dressing room for about one hour before being escorted under
heavy security from the stadium.
In accordance with Article 34 (7) of the GFA Premier League
Regulations (newly introduced provision in 2020), the GFA Prosecutor has
proposed the following sanctions:
- Should Asante Kotoko SC accept their guilt, Asante Kotoko SC
shall play five (5) home matches behind closed doors at the Baba Yara
Sports Stadium and a fine of GH¢10,000.00 - Asante Kotoko SC has within two days to either accept the
charge and immediately comply with the sanction (s) and that will end
this matter or otherwise proceed to submit your Statement of Defence as
prescribed below.
In case Kotoko SC decides to proceed to the Disciplinary Committee,
should the prosecution be successful at the Disciplinary Committee, the
Prosecution shall pray the Disciplinary Committee for the imposition of
the maximum sanction(s) as set out by the GFA Statutes, Disciplinary
Code and Regulations.
The Prosecution intends to rely on the evidence in the reports of the
Referee, the Match Commissioner, any witness(es) and video of the
match.
Asante Kotoko are to submit a written response to the charges by
close of work, Friday, January 17, 2020 on or before 5pm at the GFA
Secretariat or through email address to the Disciplinary Committee, [email protected] failing which the Disciplinary Committee shall proceed to adjudicate the case without a Statement of Defence.
Should this matter proceed to the Disciplinary Committee, it will
hear the case on Friday, January 17, 2020 at 5:05pm at the GFA
Secretariat if the Club is present or not.
