Asante Kotoko mourns the loss of diehard supporter Nana Pooley, who tragically passed away after being stabbed during a match against Nsoatreman. The incident occurred at Nana Konamansah Park following a tense Week 19 fixture in the Ghanaian top-flight league, where Nsoatreman FC emerged victorious with a 1-0 win over Asante Kotoko.
The match, already marked by fierce competition, descended into chaos after the final whistle as altercations erupted between players on the field. The situation escalated when spectators, reportedly Nsoatreman FC supporters, began throwing objects towards the Asante Kotoko bench, further fueling the unrest.
In the midst of the escalating turmoil, Pooley was subjected to a violent attack, sustaining multiple stab wounds that ultimately proved fatal. Asante Kotoko confirmed the tragic news in a statement released on Sunday evening, expressing their deepest condolences to the family, friends, and the entire Asante Kotoko community during this difficult time.
Disturbing videos circulating on social media captured the aftermath of the incident, showing the victim lying in a pool of blood. While the exact circumstances surrounding the attack remain unclear, Asante Kotoko has called for swift and decisive action from the Ghana Football Association (GFA) and law enforcement agencies to hold those responsible accountable.
The club has also emphasized the urgent need for enhanced security measures at match venues to ensure the safety of players, officials, and supporters. Authorities are expected to launch a thorough investigation into the incident and implement stricter security protocols at league matches to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
The heartbreaking loss of Nana Pooley has underscored the importance of creating a safe and secure environment for all stakeholders in Ghanaian football. As the football community mourns this devastating loss, efforts must be made to prevent such senseless acts of violence and ensure the protection of all individuals involved in the beautiful game.