Mine Stars, Istanbul home grounds banned

The Ghana Football Association has ordered the temporary closure of the home grounds of Prestea Mine Stars and Akyem Takyiman Istanbul with immediate effect.

The closure of the two parks followed incidents of crowd troubles during two separate Division One League games played last month.

In separate letters signed by the Acting General Secretary, Emmanuel Gyimah, the GFA described as “unfortunate” the respective incidents that threatened life and property at the two games.

In the case of the home ground of Prestea Mine Stars, supporters of the club were said to have physically assaulted the referees, who handled the club’s Zone 2A league match against Tarkwa United on April 21, while at Istanbul’s home ground, fans pelted the technical bench and supporters of Nania FC during their Zone 3A league clash at Akyem Tekyiman on April 3.

Article 15 (2) of the GFA regulations confers on the football authority the power to suspend the use of a venue in the event of the danger of insecurity of lives during games at the venue.