Tamale: Football coach arrested for assaulting female referee

After a shocking incident during a Division 1B football match near the Aliu Mahama Sports Stadium on June 17, 2023, a football coach identified as Iddrisu Suheiru Napari, (aka Coach Kubli) has been arrested by the police for attacking a female referee. 

The match which was ended abruptly in the 38th minute following the pitch invasion and subsequent assault of the referee by the coach of Tiyumbu Ladies, Napari who went into hiding after assaulting the referee.

The referee, Abdul Rahman Sakina Nasara, sustained injuries and was promptly taken to the hospital for medical treatment.

The suspect, currently in police custody, will face legal proceedings in court for his actions. 

As the police investigation into the attack continues, Dr George Akuffo Dampare, the Inspector-General of Police, has engaged with Mr. Kurt Okraku, President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), and Professor Peter Twumasi, Director-General of the National Sports Authority. 

Dr. Dampare urged them to inform the police in advance of all football matches in the lower leagues, just as it is done for the Premier League, to ensure that adequate security measures are in place to maintain law and order during these matches.

The Northern Regional Chairman, who visited the injured referee at the hospital, expressed gratitude to the RFA Secretary, Referees Manager Mr. Alhassan.A. Alhassan, and the Northern Region Referees Association (RAG) for swiftly arranging medical care for the referee.

On the sporting front, the Northern Regional Football Association will file appropriate charges against Coach Napari and his club, allowing the Disciplinary Committee to adjudicate the case.

The association maintained that there was no room for violence in football and assured all stakeholders and the public that both the criminal justice system and the sporting judicial system will take strong action against those involved in football-related violence.

The President of the Ghana Football Association, the General Secretary, and Executive Council members have been in contact with the Northern Region Regional Chairman and Secretary to ensure that the injured referee receives the best possible medical care since the incident occurred.