Kotoko supporters gear up for nationwide demonstration

Kumasi, Aug 28, GNA- The National circles Council of Kumasi Asante Kotoko Supporters Union has called on supporters of the club nationwide, to get ready to embark on demonstrations against the Ghana Football Association (GFA) and the Referees Association of Ghana (RAG) for gross incompetence.

According a resolution adopted by the circles council in Kumasi on Thursday, the demonstration is in reaction to what the circles perceived as a plot by the GFA and RAG to prevent Kotoko from winning this year's Kinapharma Premier League.

The resolution called on the GFA to, as a matter of urgency, come out with its response on the protest filed by Kotoko against the conduct of referees Agbovi and MacCarthy.

Under no circumstance, the resolution said, should the GFA attempt to appoint the two referees to officiate in matches involving Kotoko if they (GFA) want peace to prevail.

It called on the GFA to be courageous enough to publish the report on the Charles Taylor 50 million cedis dud cheque and that supporters of the club will boycott the club's away matches to reduce the percentage of gate proceeds due the GFA and GHALCA.

The resolution advised Mr Ben Koufie, GFA Chairman and his assigns not to attend any of the club's home matches including the African Cup Winners' Cup since their security cannot be guaranteed.

The supporters accused referee MacCarthy of robbing Kotoko of victory in their league match against Sekondi Hasaacas last Sunday and referee Agbovi of "ensuring that victory eluded Kotoko in their against Hearts in Kumasi."

It said the circles council cannot understand why referees from the Greater Accra and Volta regions were always appointed to officiate at Kotoko matches while those appointed outside the two regions, " ended up being Hearts faithfuls whose agenda is to see to the downfall of Asante Kotoko".

The circles council wondered why referees from Accra and Tema are appointed to officiate at matches involving Hearts but referees from Ashanti and the northern sectors do not handle Kotoko matches, not even matches between King Faisal or Goldfields.

The resolution said Kotoko was not seeking favours from anyone but fairness and a healthy competition among all clubs participating in the Premier league.

It said the events of May 9 were still fresh in the minds of Ghanaians and as such all efforts should be made to avoid the recurrence of such a catastrophe.