Sports
Let’s allow the fans!
Before the commencement of the 2020/21 Ghana Premier League (GPL) season, the government made an assurance to the Ghana Football Association (GFA) that only 25 per cent of fans to a stadium’s capacity will be allowed to see the game.
It may not have gone down well with the fans, but in the midst of the raging COVID-19 pandemic, many agreed that it was the most sagacious and level-headed action to take. Indeed, lives must be saved!
Sadly, a communique from the sector Ministry popped up later to inverse its own decision, directing the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to ensure that the games were played at empty stadia. It was a disappointing development and it came hitting the fan like a hypodermic bullet.
What is gratifying is that the GFA and the National Sports Authority (NSA) have put in place the necessary COVID-19 safety measures at the stadia and even journalists who come to cover the games are made to go through the protocols.
For instance, there is adequate spacing at the press box with journalists putting on their nose masks and observing all other protocols including washing and sanitising of hands.
If the authorities are not ready to permit only 25 per cent capacity of fans in a stadium (who will be made to go through the safety protocols anyway), and yet would freely allow tens of thousands of fanatics (with utter disregard for the protocols), to follow them at their political rallies, then what kind of people are we?
Do we have any justification for the political rallies? If yes, what prevents the football populace from gathering to watch a game which has all the COVID-19 safety protocols in place? What kind of double standards is this?
Evidently, we are not serious in the fight against the spread of the pandemic. And, it is amazing how our authorities would seize the slightest opportunity to try and educate the youth to be wary against the virus when they themselves are helping in its spread!
Sheer hypocrisy, not so? Indeed, we should be ashamed of ourselves with what is happening now!
Even in the western countries where the pandemic has claimed thousands of lives, their football authorities are permitting a sizable number of fans to the stadium. Let us be real and honest to ourselves and get the fans back.
Football is nothing without fans.
PlainTalk with JOHN VIGAH
Chelsea Football Club has today parted company with Head Coach Liam Rosenior.
In a statement, the club noted that “on behalf of everyone at Chelsea FC, we would like to place on record our gratitude to Liam and his staff for all their efforts during their time with the Club.”
According to the club, Liam has always conducted himself with the highest integrity and professionalism following his appointment midway through the season.
They added that this has not been a decision the Club has taken lightly, however recent results and performances have fallen below the necessary standards with still so much more to play for this season.
“Everyone at Chelsea FC wishes Liam every success in the future.Calum McFarlane will take charge of the team as Interim Head Coach until the end of the season with support from existing Club backroom staff, as we strive to achieve European qualification and progress in the FA Cup,” they added.
“As the Club works to bring stability to the Head Coach position, we will undertake a process of self-reflection to make the right long-term appointment,” the statement concluded.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
Young Apostles defender Claude Shooting Bortey has been named NASCO player of the month for March following an outstanding run of performances.
The Young Apostles star edged out strong competition from Setsofia Aqetey of Vision FC and winger Samuel Okai of Bechem United after scoring three goals and earning one Man of the Match award during the period.
As part of his reward, Claude Bortey will receive a 43-inch NASCO Television set, courtesy of Electroland Ghana Limited, as well as a NASCO double-door bottom-freezer refrigerator.
GFA COMMUNICATIONS
