Former Director-General of the National Lottery Authority and Member of Parliament for Akuapem North, Samuel Awuku, has identified poor officiating as a major cause of hooliganism in the Ghana Premier League.
Speaking on the floor of Parliament, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) lawmaker highlighted the link between controversial refereeing decisions and fan violence, urging stakeholders to take concrete action.
He made these remarks following the death of Asante Kotoko supporter Francis Frimpong Pooley who was stabbed to death in week 19 encounter against Nsoatreman.
“You cannot separate acts of vandalism, hooliganism, and fan riots from poor officiating. Across the world, whenever you see clashes among fans, a controversial refereeing decision is often at the heart of it,” Awuku stated.
“Football today is not just about entertainment, it’s a business. These acts of hooliganism are despicable, and it’s time we move beyond lip service. Law enforcement agencies must step up and ensure the law is enforced,” he added.
The Ghana Premier League is currently suspended following violent clashes during a match between Nsoatreman FC and Asante Kotoko on February 2, 2025, at Nana Koromansah Park.
The first team of Kotoko will resume training on Wednesday, February 19, but “will not compete in any official matches” until justice is served.
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