Supporters advised to avoid violent acts during Hearts and Kotoko match

Kumasi, Jan. 01, GNA - An urgent appeal has been made to supporters of both Accra Hearts of Oaks and Kumasi Asante Kotoko to let their affection for the two clubs manifest and to resolve to discipline themselves and avoid any acts of hooliganism during the CAF Confederation Cup finals match that comes off at the Ohene Djan Sports Stadium on Sunday.

Mr. Opoku-Agyemang Prempeh, Managing Director of Lakayana Company Limited, a Construction and Revenue Generation and Collection Firm said since the competition was between two Ghanaian clubs and being a historic one it was absolutely necessary for the supporters eschewed all bitterness and humble themselves to guarantee a peaceful and successful game.

Mr. Prempeh made the appeal in Kumasi on Friday in an interview with the GNA Sports on measures that could be adopted by the management of the two clubs and their supporters to ensure that the match on Sunday is played peacefully devoid of any violence and misunderstanding.

He said that any form of violent behaviour by fans of the two clubs during the match would not only wrongly portray Ghana as a nation that is in-matured in soccer but also undermine the laudable gains Ghana had so far made in football globally.

Mr. Prempeh, reminded the supporters that affection for their clubs is demonstrated by discipline and words of encouragement to the playing body and not by violent behaviour and utterances.

"It is high time we took a cue from the May 9 stadium disaster and resolve against doing anything that will bring about the recurrence of such a man-made disaster to bear on innocent souls again", he stressed. He said both Hearts and Kotoko deserve commendation for making it to the finals of the CAF Confederation Cup and Ghanaians should take great pride in their achievements rather than resorting to behaviours that could erode such achievements.

Mr. Prempeh said even though Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Kofi Boakye, Greater Accra Regional Police Commander had given the assurance that security would be tight during the match on Sunday, it was still prudent for management of the two clubs to collaborate with the security services to bring about absolute peace during the match. He also entreated officials handling the match to be fair but firm to ensure a genuine winner.