Berekum Chelsea home ban lifted, fined Ghs 1000 for crowd trouble

Berekum Chelsea can return to playing matches at their home grounds at the Golden City Park, after the Ghana Football Association Disciplinary Committee lifted the temporary home ban handed the club after violent clashes marred their NC Special Competition game against Asante Kotoko.

The clashes led to injuries to some supporters and officials of the visiting team, Kumasi Asante Kotoko, with the club’s policy analyst, Amoo Sarpong sustaining serious injuries in the process.

The club was charged with hostile and violent conduct by the GFA and handed a temporary ban while the matter was referred to the Disciplinary Committee. The ban resulting in Chelsea playing one home game away from home, at the Len Clay Stadium where they lost 2-1 to Medeama.

They have now been found not guilty.

The club has however been handed a fine of GH₵1000 “for failing to adhere to the Referee’s instructions pursuant to Article 23.1a (x) to match onto the field for commencement of the match.”

Read the Disciplinary Committee’s full ruling below:

SUMMARY DECISION

1. In view of the Club’s Guilty plea and mitigation put in by the Club, it is hereby sanctioned by its own plea a fine of GH₵1000 for failing to adhere to the Referee’s instructions pursuant to Article 23.1a (x) to match onto the field for commencement of the match.

Article 23.1a(x) stipulates that, “Unless otherwise directed by the GFA:….. Entry of the teams onto the pitch – 8mins.”

2. In respect of the charge of hostile and violent behavior by supporters of the Club towards the Away team, the club is found not guilty.
3. The Disciplinary Committee rather finds as a matter of fact that the behavior characterized as hostile and violent was largely intended to disarm, Mr. Yaw Amo Sarpong, an official of Asante Kotoko who pulled a gun and opened fire shooting several times.
4. Consequently and pursuant to Article 38. 1 (a) of the GFA General regulations, the temporary ban on Berekum Chelsea from using the Golden City park for its home matches is revoked.

SIGNED

SAMSON LARDY ANYENINI

CHAIRMAN-GFA DISCIPLINARY COMMITTEE