Normalisation Committee condemns gunshots incident in Berekum

Ghana Football Association Normalisation Committee (NC) has issued a statement following Sunday’s acts of violence at the Berekum Golden City Park before the match between Berekum Chelsea and Asante Kotoko.

Gunshots were heard outside the facility, which security operatives said were fired by Kotoko’s policy analyst Amo Sarpong in response to an attack by the home fans on Kotoko’s operations officer.

Both officials sustained injuries and were rushed to Sunyani Government hospital for treatment. They have been discharged since.

“We have learnt with horror that following a confrontation between opposing supporters and officials, gunshots were fired as well as brutal acts of violence and hooliganism,” the NC said.

“While expressing our commiserations to the injured officials and supporters, the N.C would like to state in no uncertain terms that it is totally against the carrying, wielding or use of weapons at any venue before, during or after football matches.

“The NC would like to assure the general public that we will liaise with the police in their criminal investigations to reach conclusive findings and ensure appropriate sanctions are meted out to the perpetrator(s).

“The Normalization Committee in accordance with GFA statutes will refer the matter to the Disciplinary Committee of the GFA.”

However, the incident did not affect the game, which went on as planned, ending in a goalless draw.

In a statement, Berekum Chelsea also condemned the incident, but said tensions between fans of both clubs flared up when “Kotoko arrived accompanied by a van loaded with heavily built men (machomen), who had no passes to the park, and were also refusing to pay gate fees.”

And that “an official of Asante Kotoko was seen with a bottle sprinkling substances on the pitch, forcing security personnel in the inner perimeter to order for his sack”.

Kotoko management is yet to issue a statement.

The Porcupine Warriors won the reverse fixture 2-0, which was played in Kumasi.