Medeama SC Dismiss Ball Boy After Touchline Clash Involving Hearts Assistant Coach Gazale Abdulai

Ghana Premier League leaders Medeama Sporting Club have dismissed a ball retriever following a heated touchline incident involving Hearts of Oak assistant coach Gazale Abdulai during Sunday’s 1–0 league victory in Tarkwa

The ball boy, identified as Kofi, has been relieved of his duties with immediate effect after his involvement in an altercation and an unauthorised post-match media interview that sparked widespread debate within the local football community.

The incident occurred during the tense Premier League encounter at the TnA Stadium, where Gazale Abdulai confronted the ball retriever for allegedly delaying the restart of play. According to accounts after the match, the ball boy admitted to deliberately kicking the ball away as Gazale attempted to retrieve it for a Hearts of Oak player.

Tempers flared moments later, with Gazale accused of slapping the ball boy. The youngster reportedly retaliated by striking the Hearts assistant coach, escalating the situation along the touchline. Video footage of the confrontation, which has since gone viral on social media, shows Gazale chasing the ball boy, drawing heavy criticism from fans and pundits alike.

Match officials quickly intervened, and referee disciplinary measures saw Gazale Abdulai sent off. Despite the disruption, Medeama maintained their composure and went on to secure all three points courtesy of a second-half strike from Salim Adams.

In the aftermath of the incident, Medeama SC acted swiftly to distance the club from the controversy. Club officials confirmed the dismissal of the ball boy, citing unacceptable conduct during the match and unauthorised media comments afterward. The decision, the club insists, forms part of efforts to uphold discipline, professionalism, and respect for matchday protocols as they continue their push for the league title.

Meanwhile, the Ghana Football Association has formally charged Gazale Abdulai over the incident. In its regulatory update for the 2025/2026 season, the FA confirmed that the Hearts of Oak assistant coach has been charged under Article 12(1)(h) of the GFA Disciplinary Code, 2019, which relates to assault.

The GFA has assured the football public that a full investigation will be conducted and that appropriate sanctions will be applied in accordance with the regulations.