Four fans die in Kumasi

Monday, 09 February 2009

FANS THRONGED THE STADIUM Four football fans have been reported dead at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital on Monday morning after yesterday's Glo Premier League match between Kotoko and Hearts of Oak. A hospital official confirmed that fans, all men, died as a result of suffocation in an overly filled Baba Yara Stadium. Before kick-off, some scores of football fans were stretchered off by the medical team on duty and Fire Service men had to spray water into the packed stands.    "I can confirm that more than 30 fans were rushed to the hospital during the match but the four can be confirmed now," A medical doctor told Ghanasoccernet.com Meanwhile, the National Sports Council is yet to release an official statement on yesterday's incidence. Kotoko have also not explained the lapses at the gates that ensured sitting capacity was not checked.  No voilent incidences were reported before and after the match.

Hearts suffered a great tragedy on May 9, 2001 when 126 people died in Africa's worst footballing disaster while watching a match between Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko. Trouble started when supporters of Asante Kotoko began ripping out seats in an act of hooliganism in protest at a goal allowed by the referee for Hearts of Oak,which they believe should have been disallowed for offside. Police reacted by firing tear gas into the crowd, it has been suggested that this was an over-reaction. Reports suggest that the gates to the ground were locked and that the rush to escape the tear gas was a contributory factor to the death toll. A commission inquiry strangely failed to indict the hooligans in its report.

my cousin gideon the c.e.o was at this game  some our family died r.i.p - hearts never say die

not a good look at all for ghanas bigggest league game both teams former CAF Champions League winners