IGP Urges Football Community to Treat ‘Pooley’ Stabbing as a Criminal Matter
In the wake of the tragic stabbing of Asante Kotoko fan Francis Frimpong, known as “Pooley,” Inspector General of Police George Akuffo Dampare has called on the football fraternity to view the incident strictly as a criminal matter. Pooley lost his life during violent clashes between fans of Nsoatreman and Asante Kotoko following their matchday 19 encounter.
The Ghana Police Service has since arrested five individuals in connection with the incident, including Ignatius Baffour Awuah, the owner of Nsoatreman FC. Addressing members of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) on Wednesday, IGP Dampare emphasized the need for unity in combating hooliganism within the sport.
“We urge the football fraternity to support us [Ghana Police] in this endeavor to bring the culprits to book,” Dampare stated. “The football family must see this as a crime being investigated, and nothing else. This perspective will help everyone involved find closure.”
The IGP highlighted that the tragic event must serve as a lesson, pushing the community to develop a blueprint that ensures football remains a source of enjoyment rather than a platform for violence. “We must use this tragic event to learn the relevant lessons and come up with a strategy to ensure football continues to be a game people enjoy, and not one where people lose their lives,” he urged.
In response to the situation, the GFA is set to hold an emergency meeting with all Premier League clubs on Thursday to address the violence and establish preventive measures for the future.
