Stick With The 25% Capacity, Coronavirus Is Still In The System- Hearts Of Oak Told
Hearts of Oak have been told to stick with the 25% capacity at the Accra Sports Stadium for their match against Kumasi Asante Kotoko.
Speaking on Wontumi Radio and TV Morning Show, Presidential Advisor on Health, Dr. Anthony Nsiah-Asare said that the disease is still in the system and that the continental club Masters should stick with the percentage.
“We are pleading with Ghanaians, it’s left with five matches to finish the league. Let us stick to the 25% percent,” he said.
Dr. Nsiah-Asare advised the National Sports Authority to sell the tickets in advance to put a stop to stampede.
“We don’t want to see a repetition of what happened in Hearts of Oak and Great Olympics clash where fans broke the gate to penetrate the stadium.
He indicated that, he is hopeful the Minister for Youth and Sports, Hon. Mustapha Ussif will give a statement on Hearts of Oak’s request for 70% capacity at the Stadium.
GFA Rejects Hearts Of Oak Request For 70% Capacity At Stadium
The Ghana Football Association yesterday rejected Accra Hearts of Oak’s request to admit fans of up to 70% capacity at the Accra Sports Stadium for their league game against Asante Kotoko this Sunday.
COVID-19 restrictions have allowed clubs to admit only 25% of stadium capacity for league games in the country but the Phobians wrote to the GFA and the National Sports Authority asking to be given special dispensation to admit nearly three-quarters capacity for the crucial game on Sunday.
Communications Director for Hearts of Oak, Kwame Opare Addo confirmed the Phobians’ request had been shut down, describing it as unfortunate.
“Unfortunately, when we met today at the stakeholders meeting, we were told to stick with the 25% capacity”. He said in an interview.
“Having more fans at the stadia would have been something the game because when you look at where football has reached in the league, having more fans would have a lot more edge and interesting bite to the game but it was rejected because of the scare of the Coronavirus pandemic but we are ready to work with everyone involved during and after the game to ensure fans are safe”. he added.
Hearts of Oak and Kotoko are level on points at the top of the Ghana Premier League with 5 games to the end of the season.
Kotoko host Karela FC on Wednesday and Hearts of Oak play Legon Cities on Thursday before the sworn-rivals clash on Sunday.
