The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has officially charged Paul Anyaba, an official of FC Samartex 1996, for breaching Section 12(4) of the GFA Disciplinary Code, 2019.
The charges follow a series of post-match comments directed at Asante Kotoko’s head coach, Prosper Ogum, after Samartex’s 1-0 defeat to the Porcupine Warriors in the Ghana Premier League. These remarks have sparked concerns of inciting hatred and potential violence, especially ahead of the return fixture between the two teams.
The situation escalated after Samartex fans allegedly attacked Asante Kotoko’s team bus while they were leaving the stadium.
In response, Paul Anyaba, in a post, reportedly warned of further hostility. His comment, which read, “Anyone who knows Ogum should tell him that whatever he sanctioned the thugs to do onto Samartex at the Len Clay, he will witness worse of it at the Nsekyire Sports Arena. We pray for long life,” has been deemed by the GFA as inciting and threatening.
Anyaba also added, “For the first time, we shall show them that they don’t have a monopoly over violence.”
In their statement, the GFA clarified the nature of the charges against Anyaba, stating, “It is alleged that his post-match commentary constitutes misconduct in that it incites hatred and potential violence against Prosper Ogum, Head Coach of Asante Kotoko, ahead of the return fixture at the Nsekyire Sports Arena.”
The charged official now has until Monday, October 28, 2024, to respond to these allegations.
This controversy adds to the already tense atmosphere between the two teams, with the upcoming fixture expected to be fiercely contested.
Asante Kotoko’s striker, Albert Amoah, after their recent 1-0 victory, acknowledged the intensity of the match.
Meanwhile, Asante Kotoko secured a 1-0 victory in their recent match against Samartex.
