Chaos erupted during the Division One League match between Elmina Sharks and Swedru All Blacks when referee Eso Doh Morrison was assaulted following a controversial penalty decision.
Once again, Ghanaian football witnessed an incident of hooliganism as match officials were attacked in shocking scenes at the Ndoum Stadium on Sunday. Although Swedru All Blacks secured a 1-0 victory, post-match events overshadowed the result.
Referee Morrison became the target of aggression from Elmina Sharks players and officials, furious over a penalty decision that ultimately decided the game. What should have been a routine conclusion turned chaotic as angry team personnel confronted the match officials.
The situation escalated to the extent that police had to intervene on the pitch to restore order and prevent further violence, according to JoySports.
This incident follows the recent tragic killing of Asante Kotoko supporter Francis Yaw Frimpong, also known as Nana Pooley, who was fatally stabbed during a Premier League match between Nsoatreman and Kotoko. The growing safety concerns in Ghanaian football remain a major issue.
On the day we mourn the murder of a die-hard fan in a stadium, another referee has been beaten in Elmina.
There were two similar incidents last week.
Again, Ghana Football at the moment is a criminal enterprise fueled by impunity. pic.twitter.com/uKgu3vG1hY
— Saddick Adams (@SaddickAdams) February 16, 2025
Despite the Ghana Football Association (GFA) implementing stricter matchday protocols to address violence, the effectiveness of these measures is now under scrutiny following this latest episode.
Reaction from Elmina Sharks’ Owner
Following the incident, Elmina Sharks owner Dr. Papa Kwesi Nduom expressed his frustration and disappointment in a Facebook post.
He also detailed the difficulty of calming down his players and supporters, saying it took 30 minutes to resume the match. When he confronted the match officials and the Match Commissioner about the decision, he found their response dismissive.
He lamented that one official seemed more concerned about police presence than ensuring fair officiating. Although there is video evidence of the incident, he questioned the effectiveness of filing a protest, implying that such actions rarely yield results.
Dr. Nduom concluded his statement by expressing his disappointment with the state of football in Ghana, stating that he had done his part and could no longer support the current system.
Many Ghanaian football fans have voiced concerns over the sport’s deteriorating standards and increasing violence in recent weeks.
