Asante Kotoko fan dies after violent clashes at Nsoatreman

A Ghana Premier League fixture between Asante Kotoko and Nsoatreman FC turned tragic after violent clashes erupted at the Nana Koramansah Park, leading to the death of a Kotoko supporter.

The match, which ended in a 1-0 defeat for the Porcupine Warriors on Matchday 19, was marred by heated confrontations both on and off the pitch.

Tensions flared when players from both teams engaged in physical altercations, prompting the referee to issue four red cards.

However, the situation escalated further after the final whistle, resulting in violent confrontations between rival fans.

In an official statement, Asante Kotoko confirmed that one of their supporters sustained fatal injuries during the post-match violence and was later pronounced dead at the Sunyani Hospital.

The club strongly condemned the violent incidents, stating that their players and officials faced hostility from sections of the home supporters upon arrival at the stadium.

Kotoko’s Head of Media suffered a serious ear injury after being struck by an object, while goalkeeper Mohammed Camara was physically assaulted and pelted with projectiles by invading fans.

Reports also indicate that travelling Kotoko supporters and media personnel from Kumasi were targeted during the chaos, leading to multiple injuries and property damage.

Apart from the tragic loss of life, Kotoko revealed that crucial team equipment, including laptops, communication devices, and essential audio-visual gadgets, were destroyed in the mayhem.

In response to the incident, Kotoko has urged the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to launch an immediate investigation into the violence and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.

Expressing deep concern over the persistence of hooliganism in Ghanaian football, the club warned that such incidents endanger the safety of players, officials, media personnel, and supporters.

Kotoko reiterated their commitment to cooperating fully with the GFA and called for stricter security measures at league venues to prevent future tragedies.

This latest incident has once again highlighted the urgent need for decisive action to curb violence in Ghanaian football, as authorities face mounting pressure to ensure that stadiums remain safe for all.

Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith