Hooliganism Strikes Again in Ghana Football: Referee Assaulted After Elmina Sharks vs. Swedru All Blacks Match
Hooliganism reared its ugly head in Ghanaian football once again during a Division One League match between Elmina Sharks and Swedru All Blacks at the Ndoum Stadium. The chaotic scenes unfolded after the final whistle, overshadowing the game itself, which ended in a 1-0 victory for Swedru All Blacks.
Referee Eso Doh Morrison and his officiating team were forced to flee the pitch amidst a violent backlash from players and officials of Elmina Sharks, who were incensed over a controversial penalty decision that had led to the All Blacks’ winning goal. The tension escalated quickly, prompting the intervention of police to prevent the situation from spiraling further out of control.
This incident is particularly alarming in the wake of a recent tragedy in Ghana football, where a fan of Asante Kotoko, Nana Pooley, was fatally stabbed during a match just two weeks prior. The Ghana Football Association had introduced enhanced matchday security protocols to curb violence, yet the events at the Ndoum Stadium highlight the ongoing struggles within the sport.
Despite the match result, it was the violent reaction that dominated headlines, raising significant concerns about player and spectator safety in Ghanaian football. The Ghana Football Association will undoubtedly face increased pressure to enforce stricter measures to prevent such incidents from recurring.
