President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku, has made a passionate plea to football fans to do their utmost to eliminate hooliganism from Ghana Football, stressing the importance of protecting the image of the game.
Speaking at the "Meet The Press" session held in Sunyani on Friday, 9th August, 2024, the President emphasized that no circumstance justifies violence, particularly towards referees who may make mistakes during matches.
"Under no circumstances should a referee lose his life for getting a decision wrong. Let’s take hooliganism, in any form, out of our game. The product is supreme. We should hold and protect the product," President Simeon-Okraku stated.
He pointed out that even at the highest levels of football, such as the World Cup, Champions League, and top European leagues, referees sometimes make errors despite having the assistance of Video Assistant Refereeing (VAR) technology. He urged fans to recognize the fact that referees are human and may occasionally make mistakes, just like any other professionals in the sport.
President Simeon-Okraku also called on the media to uphold professionalism in their reporting, emphasizing the point that emotional and sensationalized coverage can incite fans and raise tensions. He urged journalists to maintain objectivity and refrain from stirring emotions that could lead to unrest among supporters.
His remarks come at a critical time as the GFA seeks to strengthen the reputation and quality of football in Ghana, ensuring that the sport remains a safe and enjoyable experience for all involved.
The "Meet The Press" session was attended by Executive Council member Kingsley Osei Bonsu, Technical Director Prof. Joseph Kwame Mintah, Chief of Staff Michael Osekere, RFA Coordinator Daasebre Adu Asare, and Head of Public Relations and Strategy Neil Armstrong-Mortagbe.
The President’s firm stance against hooliganism and his call for unity in protecting the game is expected to resonate strongly with both fans and stakeholders as the football season approaches.
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