Hearts complain against intimidation at Prestea

Accra, Sept 16, GNA - Accra Hearts of Oak Sporting Club Limited have lodged a complaint against what they described as intimidating tactics and violent behaviour of the fans of Prestea Mine Stars during the 21st week league match between Hearts and Mine Stars at Prestea last Sunday.

A statement signed by Mr Asford Tettey-Oku Administrative Manger of the Club, said Sammy Adjei, a goalkeeper of the club was hit with a stone in the first half, which left him dazed and he could only continue with the match after the medical team revived him.

According to the statement, "a move by police officials to provide cover to players and officials of Hearts intensified the violence as the home team targeted the Hearts team and officials with a hail of stones and other missiles.

The statement added that during the second half, a fan of the home team scaled the inner perimeter fence and attacked keeper Adjei with the pretext of removing a supposed "juju" which made him unbeatable from his goal post.

The statement said, play was held up for 25 minutes after the home team had equalized as fans invaded the pitch, while a section of them hurled missiles at the team and its officials.

It said Mr Tommy Okine Chief Executive of the club was violently attacked by a fan when he attempted to pick a huge rock from the pitch and the police were not able to control the situation.

The statement said these acts obviously created a state of panic and insecurity among the players and officials to the extent that the quality of the game was also affected.