IGP urge football fraternity to treat ‘Pooley’ stabbing as a criminal case

By Newscenta On Feb 6, 2025

Inspector General of Police (IGP) George Akuffo Dampare has called on the football fraternity to strictly treat the tragic stabbing of Asante Kotoko fan, Francis Frimpong, popularly known as ‘Pooley,’ as a criminal matter.
Pooley lost his life in violent clashes between Nsoatreman FC and Asante Kotoko fans following their matchday 19 encounter. The incident has sparked nationwide outrage, raising concerns over football hooliganism and stadium security.
Following intensive investigations, the Ghana Police Service has arrested five individuals, including Ignatius Baffour Awuah, the owner of Nsoatreman FC. Authorities have vowed to ensure justice is served.

Football must unite to fight hooliganism – IGP
Speaking at a high-level meeting with the leadership of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) on Wednesday, IGP Dampare emphasized that the football community must support efforts to bring the perpetrators to justice.
“We urge the football fraternity to support us [Ghana Police] in this endeavor to bring the culprits to book,” he stated.
“The football family must see this as a crime being investigated and nothing else. This will help all those involved to have closure. We must use this tragic event to learn the relevant lessons and come out with a blueprint to ensure football continues to be a game people enjoy and not one where people lose their lives,” he added.

GFA calls emergency meeting with premier league clubs
In response to the incident, the GFA has scheduled an emergency meeting with all Premier League clubs on Thursday to deliberate on strategies to curb violence at football matches.
The meeting is expected to focus on tightening security at match venues, enforcing stricter punishments for hooliganism, and implementing measures to safeguard fans, players, and officials.
The tragic loss of Pooley has reignited calls for urgent reforms to protect the integrity of Ghanaian football. Fans and stakeholders are now looking to the authorities to ensure justice prevails and prevent such incidents in the future.