As many as nine clubs based in the Brong Ahafo are planning on boycotting the Ghana Division One League over what they believe is an attempt by the Ghana Football Association to aid a team from Northern Region secure Premier League promotion.
Ghanasoccernet.com can exclusively reveal the clubs are planning a presser in which their decision to boycott the second-tier league will be announced.
The Division One League is made of 48 teams who are grouped into three zones depending on their location. Teams based in the northern part of the country – from Brong Ahafo upwards – are based in Zone One.
This season’s competition has been intense with Bofoakwa Tano, Real Tamale United and Berekum Arsenal in a close fight for the sole Ghana Premier League ticket.
Only two points, however, separate leaders Bofoakwa and second-placed RTU.
Thus, when RTU met Brong Ahafo United last Sunday at Sunyani Coronation Park, tensions were high as a win would have seen the pride of the northerners overtake Bofoakwa Tano.
Hooliganism, thus, took centre stage, as referee Maxwell Hansen was physically assaulted for awarding a penalty to RTU in the first half.
The match was suspended after the first 45 minutes with RTU players escorted out of the region by armed police and military men. The security men were forced to fire warning shots to deter irate fans from pouncing on RTU team bus.
Some traders in Sunyani, believed to be RTU fans, had their equipment burnt by the hooligans.
The referee before suspending the match promised a replay the following day and that prompted Brong Ahafo United players to report to the venue on Monday morning, but RTU, as well as match officials, were not present.
The Ghana Football Association hasn’t commented on the widely condemned incident, with an emergency meeting currently being held.
