Hooliganism in Ghana football: The Club owners are the core of the problem, Most of them incite the fans – Veteran Sports Journalist, Dr Franko Owusu Ansah (Franko Naro)
Renowned sports journalist and analyst Dr. Franko Owusu Ansah, popularly known as Franko Naro, has pointed to a critical factor of football hooliganism in Ghana.
According to Franko Naro, club owners in Ghana are largely responsible for fueling the violence and hooliganism that have marred the sport. He argues that these individuals are often complicit in inciting fans to act aggressively, leading to a toxic culture in the football community.
Dr. Franko Owusu Ansah’s assertion is grounded in years of observation and analysis of the Ghanaian football landscape. He claims that many club owners, either knowingly or unknowingly, are the root cause of the violence witnessed in the stands. Rather than promoting sportsmanship and peaceful competition, some owners encourage a confrontational approach that contributes to fan unrest.
According to Naro, this incitement often occurs both directly and indirectly. Club owners, he believes, sometimes use their platforms and influence to make statements that elevate tensions, creating an “us vs. them” mentality that breeds hostility. The aggressive behavior displayed by some fans, he argues, is often a reflection of the messages they receive from the very people they look up to—club owners.
The impact of this incitement is evident in the hostile rivalry that often characterizes the Ghanaian football scene. What should be a healthy competitive atmosphere has been tainted by an undercurrent of animosity, leading to violent altercations both on and off the pitch.
Such behavior has been seen in multiple incidents throughout the years, with fans clashing in the stadium, on social media, and even in public spaces after matches. The most common forms of hooliganism include physical altercations, property damage, and even threats made against players and referees. These incidents not only tarnish the reputation of the clubs involved but also threaten to discourage families and new fans from attending matches.
Franko Naro speaking on Kessben FM following the death of Asante Kotoko fan at Nsoatre who lost his life when he was stabbed on the matchday, highlighted the responsibility that club owners have in shaping the culture of football in Ghana. He emphasizes the need for responsible leadership from these owners, who must work to curb the growing problem of hooliganism and prioritize the safety of their fans and players.
He believes that there is an urgent need for a shift in attitude, both from the club owners and the fans. Instead of using their influence to create divisions, club owners should lead the charge in promoting positive fan behavior, encouraging respect for the game, and working with the authorities to implement effective measures against hooliganism.
While Dr. Franko Owusu Ansah believes that club owners are at the heart of the issue, he also stresses that a collective effort is needed to address hooliganism in Ghanaian football. The Ghana Football Association (GFA) and other authorities must also take a stand against violence by implementing stricter regulations and penalties for clubs that fail to control their fans.
WATCH VIDEO BELOW:
