The GFA Disciplinary Committee “A”has imposed a fine of GH¢2,500 on Elmina Sharks after being charged on two counts of misconduct in respect of their GN Bank Division One League match against Ebusua Dwarfs FC played at Elmina.
Below is the full ruling of the Disciplinary Committee:
PANEL 1. Prosper Harrison Addo, Esq. - Chairman 2. W.O.1 J.W. Amoo - Member 3. Godsway Glah - Member
Emmanuel Newton Dasoberi - Secretary
THE CHARGE Elmina Sharks FC was charged with two counts of misconduct with regards to the GN Bank Division One League match between Elmina Sharks FC and Ebusua Dwarfs FC played at Elmina.
It was alleged that immediately after the match, Elmina Sharks FC failed to control the club’s supporters when they threw objects at the match officials and also blocked the entries to their dressing room, contrary to the GFA Regulations in violation of the Article 58 of the Disciplinary Code and Articles 35(1)(a), 35(4) and 35(7)(d) of the GFA General Regulations.
On the second count, it was alleged that immediately after the match, Elmina Sharks FC failed to control the club’s supporters when they openly engaged in objects throwing with supporters of Ebusua Dwarfs FC in violation of the of Articles 56 and 58 of the Disciplinary Code and Articles 35(2), 35(7)(d) and 35(4) of the GFA General Regulations.
DEFENCE Elmina Sharks FC pleaded not guilty to the charges in its Statement of Defence, signed by Mr. Kelvin Aboagye-Yeboah and requested for personal hearing for the club to defend itself against the charge. The club’s representatives attended the meeting of the Committee and offered a defence against the charges.
PROCEEDINGS AND FINDINGS The Committee considered the depositions in the Charge Sheet, the oral evidence of Elmina Sharks FC, the evidence from the prosecution, the video of the match and the reports of the match officials of the match.
The prosecution stated that as a result of the behaviour of the two clubs at the match, damages were caused to the vehicle, Tripod, SDI Cable, Plastic Chairs of First Digital TV, the television rights owner of the GN Division One League.. According to the prosecution, the replacement of these damaged items will cost First Digital TV an amount of Three Thousand Ghana Cedis (GH¢3,000.00).
On the first and second counts, Elmina Sharks FC stated that the club was not guilty of the charges. According to Elmina Sharks FC, it was the supporters of the away team, Dwarfs SC which misconducted themselves at the match and that the Elmina Sharks FC supporters were rather at the receiving end of attacks.
The relevant provisions on ensuring the safety of match officials and all other stakeholders of the game are very clear and unambiguous. These are not limited to Articles 10 of the Division One League special Regulations and Articles 66 of the Disciplinary Code which places a huge responsibility on the home club. In respect of the two charges, clubs must also be mindful of Article 35(4) of the General Regulations which states that “the Association shall hold clubs responsible for the misconduct of their supporters before, during and after a match”.
The Committee is satisfied with all the evidence including the video of the match before it that the conduct of the supporters of Elmina Sharks FC amounts to misconduct and a breach of the GFA Regulations. The Committee holds both clubs responsible for the damage to the items of First Digital TV and hence Elmina Sharks FC must therefore bear half of the damages caused to First Digital TV.
DECISION The Disciplinary Committee makes the following decisions: 1. That the Committee having satisfied itself that the evidence adduced before it supports the charge of misconduct, hereby imposes a fine of Two Thousand Five Hundred Ghana Cedis (GH¢2,500.00) on Elmina Sharks FC to be paid to the GFA within fourteen (14) days upon receipt of this Ruling, failing which Elmina Sharks FC shall automatically forfeit all subsequent matches after the said deadline in accordance with Article 15(b) of the Disciplinary Code and Article 39(8)(b), 39(8)(d) and 39(8)(f) of the First Amendment to the General Regulations.
2. That the GFA is hereby ordered to pay an amount of One Thousand Five Hundred Ghana Cedis (GH¢1,500.00) out of the fine in Decision 1 above to First Digital TV as reimbursement for damages caused to their properties at the match.
3. That Elmina Sharks FC and its supporters are hereby warned to be of good behaviour and that should the club be found guilty of any misconduct charges in future, the Committee shall apply the maximum sanctions against the club.
4. That should any party be dissatisfied with or aggrieved by this Ruling, the party has within three (3) days of being notified of this Ruling to appeal to the Appeals Committee (See Article 37(11) of the General Regulations of the GFA).