Soccer News of Thursday, 7 May 2015

Source: Sammy Heywood Okine

GFA President to boycott League games for his safety

Kwesi Nyantekyi President of the GFA who was attacked by Accra Hearts of Oak fans when they lost at home to Djoliba has vowed not to watch matches of the FCP Premier league for his safety.
Hearts felt they were done in ahead of the first leg game against Djoliba after they had a late request to have a midweek league game against AshGold denied by the Premier League Board and leveled several allegations against him and the association..
The fans claimed their side's lose was on player fatigue when Hearts were forced to play the midweek game against AshGold, which ended in a draw
The FA boss faced the wrath of some of the Phobian supporters who roughed him as he made his way out of the stadium after the game.
Mr. Nyantekyi has since lodged a complaint to the police but admits he will have to stop attending games for his safety.
“I was shocked when the incident happened, I had been dreaming of watching this particular game because this is one of the few times I have been around when such a game is being played’ He said.
“I had told a lot of people of my intention to watch this game because I think it can promote the game somehow.
“But if I will go to the stadium to be exposed to these acts, then I better stay at home for my safety.”
The FA president adds that the sad encounter with the fans does little to exorcise the ghosts of the infamous May 9 Stadium disaster in 2001.
“I find it very outrageous to understand why some people are simply refusing to learn. We lost about 126 lives during the May 9th disaster and a similar thing nearly happened at the same venue when Hearts played Berekum Chelsea sometime back. So aren't we learning?
“Some of us have been looking for ways of marketing our matches to attract the needed fans by serving as ambassadors, but if this is what we shall be given in return, then it is better we don't come to the stadium at all.
Aside excusing himself from the local League games, he still urged the media to promote the domestic competition. He was optimistic that one day the fans will learn to do the right things. He advised the Club managers to caution their fans on hooliganism and violence at the stadia, especially when we are in the month of May.