Hearts, Kotoko remember May 9

Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko are commemorating the 19th anniversary of May 9th.

On 9 May 2001, 127 football fans died at the Accra Sports Stadium, making it Africa's worst ever sports-related disaster.

The fans were in Accra that night to watch a match between hosts Hearts of Oak and rival club Asante Kotoko.

The visitors were up 1-0 near the end of the match, but Hearts of Oak scored two late goals to take the lead.

With about five minutes left, frustrated supporters in agitation that Ishmael Addo scored the equaliser from an off-side position began ripping seats out of the stands and throwing them onto the pitch.

The police responded by firing tear gas into the crowd, causing a panic. Most of the victims were crushed in the ensuing stampede, while a few died from suffocation.

Both clubs have taken to social media to remember the day, stating NEVER AGAIN.

#AKSC #NeverAgain ???????????? pic.twitter.com/4uMEWxQXG1

— Asante Kotoko SC (@AsanteKotoko_SC) May 9, 2020

pic.twitter.com/DCaLfXljns

— Phobians (@HeartsOfOakGH) May 9, 2020

Other Ghana Premier League clubs also joined in the remembrance of the day with similar tweets.

Techiman Eleven Wonders posted," Toady, We remember the 126 football loving fans who lost their lives in Accra Sports Stadium. HeartsKotoko."

?™ |Today| ????We remember the 126 football loving fans who lost their lives in Accra Sports Stadium????#KotokoHearts#??#May their Souls #RIP##Never Again!!!!#Together we will win ???? ?????!!! pic.twitter.com/oemLb02nih

— TECHIMAN ELEVEN WONDERS FC (@Txiwonders) May 9, 2020

Inter Allies sent condolences to the families of those who lost their lives, posting, " May 9 2001, they went for a game & didn’t return. RIP to May 9 victimes, never again should this happen."

May 9 2001, they went for a game & didn’t return - #RIP to the May 9 victims #NeverAgain should this happen.

Never again!! ??????????

?????????? #iafc #ElevenIsToOne pic.twitter.com/M7iiBOTuIU

— Inter Allies FC (@InterAlliesFC) May 9, 2020