The 26th day of the Togolese national football championship witnessed a match between Maranatha from Fiokpo and Semassi from Sokodé. Maranatha secured a 1-0 victory in the game. However, violence marred the match, with accusations from both sides.
Tchanilé Banna, the sports director of Semassi, alleged irregularities, including the inflation of ticket prices to prevent Semassi supporters from entering the stadium, the expulsion of a Semassi player, and a disputed penalty against his team. He also claimed that Semassi supporters were targeted by Maranatha fans.
In response, Gilbert Kakraba, the president of Maranatha, rejected these accusations, stating that the violence was orchestrated by Semassi supporters, who aimed to have the Womé field suspended.
The incidents highlight ongoing challenges with violence and misconduct in Togo’s football stadiums, despite promises from authorities to address and punish such behaviors.
