Growing hooliganism at Wa Sports Stadium

Wa, May 26, GNA - The Upper West Regional Police Command has expressed concern about the spate of violent attacks on referees and club officials by irate soccer fans during the current Division Two League matches at the Wa sports Stadium.

The concern was expressed in a statement following the violent attack on Mr Illiasu Mustapha, a Class One Referee, who officiated a second division league match between Yellow Masters and Nubu United, both Wa based clubs on Sunday, May 23.

The incident occurred in the 45th minute when the Referee awarded a penalty against Yellow Masters.

Some of the fans reacted angrily against the decision and invaded the field of play resulting in the abrupt end of the game.

Neither side had scored a goal before the incident.

The fans attacked the referee and inflicted multiple wounds on his neck before the police managed to rescue him.

It took the police a hectic time to escort the referee out of the Stadium and later rushed him to the Wa Regional Hospital where he was treated and discharged.

The statement signed by Inspector Daniel Dorkpoh, the Regional Police Public Relations Officer cautioned both club officials and their supporters against taking the law into their hands even in the face of doubtful decisions by referees.

The police also advised referees to be impartial and firm when officiating in matches since any omission or commission on their part could inflame passions among football fans.

The police administration also warned all those who are in the habit of fomenting trouble at the Wa Stadium to be reminded by the unfortunate events of May 9 and behave with civility and that such culprits would not be spared when caught in the act. 26 May 04