Nations FC has provided comprehensive explanations for their choice to forgo their second-to-last league match against Basake Holy Stars on Sunday, pointing to inadequate officiating and safety concerns as the primary reasons.
The game, which took place at Crosby Awuah Memorial Stadium in Aiyinase, was halted midway through the second half with Basake Holy Stars ahead 1-0. The home team had taken the lead with a penalty in the 32nd minute.
Tensions rose after the referee awarded a second penalty to Basake Holy Stars, a call that ignited protests from Nations FC players and staff, leading to a confrontation on the field.
In the aftermath, Nations FC chose not to resume play and exited the pitch, leaving fans and officials bewildered.
Later that day, the club released an official statement criticizing the officiating as “extremely poor and well below the expected standard,” claiming it undermined the integrity and fairness of the match.
Nations FC also claimed that their President, Mr. Divine Kyei Boadu, and Chairman, Dr. Kwame Kyei, were physically attacked by home fans during the game, which created a hazardous atmosphere.
The statement further noted that only 20 police officers were present at the stadium, significantly fewer than the 70 officers that had been agreed upon prior to the match. Additionally, Nations FC accused Basake Holy Stars of hindering media coverage and blocking their fans from entering the stadium, even though they possessed valid tickets.
“We strongly condemn these actions,” the club stated, calling on the Ghana Football Association and other relevant authorities to conduct a thorough investigation and implement appropriate disciplinary actions.
Source: HotFmOnline.com
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