GFA hit with $10,000 fine over pitch invasion
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has fined the Ghana Football Association (GFA) US$10,000 for a pitch invasion during an African Cup of Nations Qualifier last year.
The incident happened during the latter stages of the Black Stars' win over South Africa in the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers at the Cape Coast Stadium on November 14, 2019.
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CAF Disciplinary Board fined Ghana the amount of US$10,000 for the incident after studying the reports from the match officials.
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It would be recalled that 25-year-old Awal Suleman, who sprint across the pitch, was sentenced to pay the fine of GHc2,400 by the Cape Coast Circuit Court for breaching public disturbance laws.
"There is a need for lovers of our national teams to behave appropriately within the laws of game. This is really important because our actions have consequences for the GFA and the State at large. We will continue to educate the patrons of the game but there will be mechanisms to ensure that fans who cause the Nation to lose money in this manner are brought to book," said General Secretary Prosper Harrison Addo.
It will be recalled that the infamous pitch invader (Awal Suleman) who disrupted Ghana's AFCON 2021 qualifier against South Africa was fined GHS 2,400 and asked to sign a bond of good behaviour by a Circuit Court in Cape Coast last November.
He was charged with two counts of disturbing public peace and resisting arrest by presiding Judge, Dorinda Arthur Smith.
In court on Thursday, Awal Suleman pleaded guilty and was sentenced on his own plea.
He was also made to sign a bond to be of good behaviour.
Background
Awal was arrested and held at the University of Cape Coast Police Station after he invaded the pitch.
The former student-athlete later explained that he made his way onto the pitch because he wanted a selfie with his idol, Thomas Partey.
"I like the way he [Partey] plays, I just wanted to have a picture with him and the opportunity I would get is on the field of play and that is why I went there," Awal said in a radio interview monitored by Graphic Online.
His cameo on the pitch in the dying embers of the game proved to be a captivating climax to the match.
Some social media users were especially intrigued by the pace he displayed when he made his way onto the pitch.
His evasive manoeuvres resulted in a security officer who was among a horde that were hot on his heels tripping and falling over.
Although he was cheered wildly by the thousands at the Cape Coast Stadium, the security officers present at the venue were not impressed.
As a result, the nursing student spent two days behind bars at the University of Cape Coast Police Station.
In the aftermath of his arrest, he met his idol Thomas Partey.
