Pitch invader in Ghana vs Chad match sentenced to 100 days in prison

Mohammed Huzeinu, the 21-year-old who invaded the pitch during Ghana’s match against Chad at the Accra Sports Stadium on March 21, 2024, has been sentenced to 100 days in prison by an Accra District Court.

A statement from the Ghana Football Association (GFA) confirmed the sentencing, emphasizing that Huzeinu’s actions caused a major disruption to the game and could have serious financial consequences for the Association.

“Huzeinu’s actions disrupted the game, an offense that has potential financial consequences for the Association (GFA), as the Association is likely to be fined whenever such incidents occur,” the statement read.

The GFA reiterated that pitch invasions pose a significant security risk and disrupt the smooth running of matches. They cautioned fans to respect stadium regulations to avoid similar incidents in the future.

“Pitch invasions are considered a serious breach of security and disrupt the smooth running of games. The sentencing serves as a strong warning to fans to respect stadium regulations and maintain order during matches,” the statement continued.

The GFA also noted that they have consistently urged supporters to exercise discipline and adhere to match-day protocols to prevent fines and protect Ghana’s reputation in international football.

Meanwhile, the Association is expected to face a fine for the incident, adding to a growing list of penalties imposed due to fan-related disturbances.

In 2020, the GFA was fined $10,000 after a pitch invasion during Ghana’s AFCON 2021 Qualifier against South Africa in Cape Coast. More recently, in January 2024, the Association was hit with a $15,000 fine following crowd trouble during the Black Stars’ AFCON 2023 group-stage match against Cape Verde.

With the latest sentencing, authorities hope to deter future incidents and ensure better security at football matches across the country.