Exactly, a year today, Asante Kotoko lost an ardent follower, Francis Frimpong, known as “Nana Pooley” during a Premier League clash.
And today, February 2, marks exactly a year since his demise. Kotoko, in an official statement, marked the first anniversary of Nana Pooley, who was stabbed during a match between the Porcupines and Nsoatreman in Nsoatre, in Week 19 of Ghana’s Premier League.
He was spotted lying on the ground with blood oozing from his stomach.
In the statement, Kotoko attributed Pooley’s death to what they described as one “mindless hooliganism”, citing that even though his life was cut short, his memories dwell with them forever.
“We stand together to remember a fallen supporter whose life was cut short by mindless hooliganism; a tragedy that should never happen again
“The pain of his absence is still felt every day. Pooley lived for the beautiful game, and while some hooligans took his life, they can never take away his memories, the joy, and the love he brought to the stands.”
The tragic event led to seven arrests, including that of Nsoatreman FC financier Ignatius Baffour-Awuah.
However, to date, none of the arrested have been found guilty or prosecuted yet. The case still lingers.
“Today, we call for continued justice and recommit ourselves to ensuring our game centres remain a place of safety and unity, free from violence,” the club added.
The incident marred last season’s Premier League, with the competition halted for over a month to allow stakeholder discussions and the introduction of enhanced safety and security protocols.
Following the acts of hooliganism, Nsoatreman FC withdrew from the competition.
Otumfuo’s remarks after Pooley’s death
In a video shared on social media, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, who is the owner and life patron of Asante Kotoko, called for the swift apprehension of Pooley’s killer.
“It is unfortunate that somebody was killed because of a football match. He was intentionally stabbed to death, this is unacceptable. So, I urge you to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident. Nobody can take the law into their own hands and kill another person. This death was needless, and the law must take its course.
“Whoever was responsible for the murder must be arrested and prosecuted. We live in a country governed by the rule of law. It is completely unacceptable that someone is killed just because of a football match. The person must be arrested immediately.
Whether it happened inside or outside the stadium, a human being has been killed, and the law must deal with the perpetrator.
A family has lost their loved one, who was the breadwinner. A thorough investigation must be carried out to get to the bottom of the case and ensure the culprit faces the full rigours of the law,” the Asantehene stated.
GFA presidenton Pooley’s death
In his first meeting with Kotoko’s management since the tragedy, Mr. Okraku urged anyone with information to comeforward and assist in the investigation.
“When that tragic act occurred in Nsoatre, there was someone present with the person who took Nana Pooley’s life. That person must be honest with football and reveal the killer’s identity. It’s a painful moment, but also an opportunity to make a positive impact on our game,” he said.
Acknowledging the current difficulties facing Ghanaian football, Okraku expressed confidence in overcoming the challenges.
“I have always said that the journey to transform our football is tough and rough, and right now, we are facing one of our toughest moments. But we will get through it,” he added.
Also, FIFA held a mournful minute of silence in honour of Nana Pooley during the 75th FIFA Congress in Asunción, Paraguay, on May 15.
In a solidarity move, Bechem United, on the other hand, offered a GHC100,000 reward for information about the suspect who killed Asante Kotoko fan Francis Yaw Frimpong, also known as “Nana Pooley.”
In an official statement, it stated that,
“Bechem United FC takes bold stand against hooliganism, offers GHC100,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the murderer of late Asante Kotoko fan Francis Yaw Frimpong (Nana Pooley),” the club stated.
