Former Ghana Football Association (GFA) Executive Council member, Kweku Eyiah has urged giants Asante Kotoko and its supporters to remain calm and exercise restraint following the tragic death of a devoted fan Nana Yaw Frimpong, better known as ‘Pooley’.
Pooley met his untimely death days ago in Nsoatre when an unknown assailant stabbed him to death at the precinct of the Nana Kronmansah Park during a league match involving Nsoatreman FC and Kotoko.
The unfortunate and regrettable incident has caused significant distress within the Kotoko fanbase, which has led to heightened emotions and demands for justice.
The former GFA top official has emphasised the importance of allowing the appropriate authorities to investigate the circumstances surrounding the fan’s death and take the necessary steps to ensure justice is served.
He acknowledged the pain and grief felt by the Kotoko community but stressed that maintaining calm and allowing due process is crucial to avoid further escalation of tensions.
The Porcupine Warriors are up in arms with the chairperson of the Safety and Security committee of the Football Association, warning of plans to report DCOP Lydia Donkor to the Inspector General of Police (IGP), for her comment on the ongoing investigations into the murder case.
While Eyiah criticised the police chief for her alleged prejudicial comment, he has urged calm in the midst of the storm.
“Emotions are high and so we should a wary of how we present our case to avoid disturbing interpretations. I would have wised she (Lydia Donkor) pass any comment at all at this stage. She should have been measured in her utterances to avoid this situation. She shouldn’t have spoken at all.
“Having said that we must be circumspect and allow the state agency to work. I know Kotoko are in a painful situation. We can only plead with them to see how matters unfold. It is too fresh for such things to come out.”
The death of Pooley has added to the concerns about fan safety at football matches in Ghana, with increased calls for better security measures in stadiums to protect supporters, players, and officials.
Eyiah’s call for calm aligns with broader efforts to promote peaceful resolutions while addressing the underlying issues of security at football venues.