After Ghana’s surprising 2-1 defeat to Cape Verde in their Africa Cup of Nations opener, reports suggest that a Ghanaian fan has been allegedly arrested for attacking the national team’s manager, Chris Hughton, at the team’s hotel.
The defeat, sealed by Garry Rodrigues’ goal in the second minute of injury time, led to frustration among Ghanaian fans. Videos circulating online show Ghanaian supporters expressing their discontent inside the Stade Félix Houphouët Boigny in Abidjan after the 1-2 loss.
Respected Journalist Saddick Adams reported on social media that a Ghanaian supporter had attacked Chris Hughton at the team’s hotel, but the coach was saved by Ghanaian diplomats.
Adams wrote , ‘One member of the Ghanaian supporters in Abidjan has been arrested for an attack on coach Chris Hughton at the team’s hotel. It took the intervention of some Ghanaian diplomats who were around to save the coach. The unidentified man has been handed to the Ivorian Police.’
Contrary reports suggest that there was no arrest, with the fan allegedly directing foul language towards Hughton. Journalist Muftawu Nabila Abdulai mentioned, ‘[I’m] told supporter was angry and used foul words on Chris Hughton and security took him away, but he’s not been arrested. In fact, there was no contact with the coach.’
Chris Hughton, who took over as Ghana’s manager in March 2023, expressed disappointment after the match, stating, ‘We are incredibly hugely disappointed with the result. We came into the game with a game plan to start on the front foot. We are hugely, hugely disappointed with our result. And I know and this group of players also know how the Ghanaian people see this game, see this tournament, and our expectations going into this one.’
The incident adds a layer of controversy to Ghana’s campaign in the Africa Cup of Nations, with fans expressing their discontent in a manner that raises concerns about the safety of players and staff.
The Black Stars of Ghana are hoping to avoid a group stage exit, after leaving the 2021 edition at the first hurdle.
