Man fined GHS2,400 for Ghana - South Africa pitch invasion
A pitch invader who disrupted Ghana's AFCON 2021 qualifier against South Africa has been fined GHS 2,400 and asked to sign a bond of good behaviour by a Circuit Court in Cape Coast.
In default, the infamous pitch invader Awal Suleman who appeared in court today will serve 3 months in prison.
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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.
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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 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.
He has since met his idol Thomas Partey.
Thomas Partey with Awal Suleman
Release on bail
He was granted bail on November 16, 2019, amid fanfare and a newfound celebrity.
His release on bail followed pleas on his behalf by many Ghanaians including Black Stars captain Andre Ayew and General Captain Asamoah Gyan and intervention by Ghana Football Association authorities in the Central Region.