Kotoko Fan Fatally Stabbed in Violent Clashes at Nsoatreman Match
Asante Kotoko has confirmed the tragic death of one of its supporters following violent clashes during their Ghana Premier League Matchday 19 fixture against Nsoatreman FC at Nana Koramansah Park.
In an official statement, the club revealed that the fan sustained fatal injuries amid post-match violence and later passed away at Sunyani Hospital.
“Our Kumasi-based reporter, Emmanuel Owusu, reports that the entire Kotoko team visited the hospital, where they received the devastating news.”
The match, which ended in a 1-0 defeat for Kotoko, was overshadowed by chaos both on and off the pitch. Tensions flared as players from both teams clashed, prompting the referee to issue four red cards. After the final whistle, the situation spiraled out of control, leading to violent confrontations between supporters.
Kotoko, in its statement, strongly condemned the “violent and unacceptable incidents” that transpired, highlighting the hostility the team faced from sections of the home supporters from the moment of their arrival.
“Missiles were thrown at our bench multiple times, creating an unsafe environment for our players and officials,” the statement read.
The violence escalated when Kotoko’s Head of Media sustained a serious ear injury after being struck by an object. Additionally, some supporters invaded the pitch, physically assaulting Kotoko goalkeeper Mohammed Camara and pelting him with missiles.
Beyond the incidents on the field, reports indicate that traveling supporters and media personnel from Kumasi were also attacked.
“Tragically, one of our supporters who was stabbed during the violence has succumbed to his injuries at the hospital,” Kotoko confirmed.
The club has urged the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to launch an immediate investigation to hold those responsible accountable.
“This senseless loss of life is devastating, and we extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and the entire Asante Kotoko fraternity.”
Additionally, Kotoko reported significant damage to valuable equipment, including laptops, communication devices, and essential audio-visual gadgets used by the technical team.
Expressing deep concern over the persistence of hooliganism in Ghanaian football, the club warned that such acts threaten the safety of players, officials, media personnel, and fans.
“Football must be played in a secure and fair environment, and these acts of violence must not be tolerated,” the statement added.
Kotoko assured full cooperation with the GFA’s investigation and called for stronger security measures at league venues to prevent further tragedies.