By Kwame Bediako
Asante Kotoko has issued a strong condemnation of the escalating violence in Ghana Premier League after the tragic death of one of its supporters, identified as Francis Yaw Frimpong (Nana Pooley). The devoted fan succumbed to injuries sustained during a violent altercation that erupted following Kotoko’s Ghana Premier League match against Nsoatreman FC on Sunday, February, 2nd, 2025. According to the club’s official statement, media personnel and supporters who traveled from Kumasi to cheer on the team were attacked after the match at Nana Konamansah Park.
The violence broke out after Nsoatreman FC secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Asante Kotoko in a highly charged Week 19 fixture. Tensions escalated as players clashed on the pitch after the final whistle, which set the stage for the chaos that would follow. The situation quickly deteriorated, leading to confrontations between rival supporters and alarming levels of aggression.
Eyewitness accounts reveal that the disorder intensified when spectators, reportedly supporters of Nsoatreman FC, began throwing objects at the Kotoko bench, further inflaming the situation. Amidst this turmoil, Polley was critically injured in the melee and later passed away while receiving medical attention at a local hospital, a tragic outcome that has shocked the football community.
Picture:Francis Yaw Frimpong (Nana Pooley)
In light of these events, Asante Kotoko has called upon the Ghana Football Association (GFA) and law enforcement agencies to take immediate and decisive action against those responsible for the violence. The club emphasized the urgent need for stricter security measures at match venues to ensure the safety of players, officials, and fans alike. The call for action is not only a plea for justice but also a demand for the protection of the integrity of Ghanaian football.
Authorities are expected to launch thorough investigations to bring the perpetrators to justice and to reinforce security at league matches. The tragic death of Polley serves as a grim reminder of the urgent need to address violence in sports, and the hope is that such measures will prevent further tragedies in the future, safeguarding the passion and spirit of the game.
Statement below:
