Ghana FA President to boycott local games over safety concerns after Hearts fan attacks

Ghana FA President Kwesi Nyantakyi says he is forced to boycott domestic games over safety concerns following attacks on him after Hearts of Oak's 1-0 defeat to AC Djoliba.

The GFA boss was abused by irate Hearts fans who leveled several allegations against him and the association.

Hearts felt they were done in ahead of the game against Djoliba after they had a late request to have a midweek league game against AshGold denied by the Premier League Board.

The fans attributed the side's defeat on player fatigue with Hearts forced to play the midweek game against AshGold.

Kwesi Nyantakyi had to encounter the wrath of some of the Phobian supporters who roughed up the Ghana FA boss as he made his way out of the stadium.

The GFA boss has since lodged a complaint to the police but admits he will have to stop attending games for his safety.

“I was shocked when the incident happened,” he said.

“I had been dreaming of watching this particular game because this is one of the few times I have been around when such a game is being played.

“I had told a lot of people of my intention to watch this game because I think it can promote the game somehow.

“But if I will go to the stadium to be exposed to these acts, then I better stay at home for my safety.”

The GFA boss adds that the sad encounter with the fans does little to exorcise the ghosts of the infamous May 9 Stadium disaster in 2001.

“I find it very outrageous to understand why some people are simply refusing to learn. We lost about  126  lives during the May 9th disaster and a similar thing nearly happened at the same venue when Hearts played Berekum Chelsea sometime back. So aren't we learning?

“Some of us have been looking for ways of marketing our matches to attract the needed fans by serving as ambassadors,  but if this is what we shall be given in return, then it is better we don't come to the stadium at all.”