Sports Head at Joy FM, Gary AI-Smith has fired Ghanaian sports journalist who attacked and barricade Ghana Black Stars players and the team bus after awful draw with Mozambique last night in the ongoing 2023 African Cup of Nations (AFOCN).
Ghanaian Journalists blocked the team bus from leaving the stadium after Ghana’s disappointing draw with Mozambique, demanding to speak with the Black Stars’ players and manager. This almost had disastrous consequences.
Unfortunately, after the Black Stars’ heartbreaking 2-2 draw with Mozambique in the 2023 AFCON final group match, the bus carrying the Ghana national team was blocked from leaving the stadium.
The possibility of the Black Stars losing the group stage of the AFCON for a second time has disappointed supporters and media alike.
After the draw, a number of videos have surfaced showing altercations between sections of the national team, Ghanaian journalists, and fan groups.
One video on the social media site X featured purported Ghanaian journalists criticizing coach Chris Hughton and threatening to fire him if the Football Association did not carry out its duties.
The Ghana Media here have taken it upon ourselves to sack whoever deserves a sack.
Hughton is the first. The rest should come
The CAF Security should be calm, we will be under control. pic.twitter.com/xf9OGBDptR
— Saddick Adams (@SaddickAdams) January 22, 2024
In a different video, more purported Ghanaian journalists were seen blocking the stadium’s exit in order to prevent the Black Stars team bus from leaving the Stade Olympique Alassane Ouattara.
CAF security has called for reinforcement. The media just want to meet the team.
We are not leaving until they come.
We won’t tolerate this level of embarrassment and wastage again.
If powers won’t do, we will let them know how it feels to play for this team.
If you hear… pic.twitter.com/3RsmsP9KFX
— Saddick Adams (@SaddickAdams) January 22, 2024
In a reaction to the viral videos and attacks, Gary AI-Smith who recently won the Journalist of the Year at the 48th SWAG awards, took to his X (formerly Twitter) to called out the unprofessional behaviour Ghanaian journalists exhibited after the game.
“We CANNOT normalise journalists abusing players in official tournament settings such as mixed zones and pressers. Leave that to fans,” Gary AI-Smith wrote.
The sports journalist added, “Yes, we can be pissed at our teams, but – according to job rules – we cannot do that.”
I am by no means a perfect journalist. However…
We CANNOT normalise journalists abusing players in official tournament settings such as mixed zones and pressers. Leave that to fans.
Yes, we can be pissed at our teams, but – according to job rules – we cannot do that.
— Gary Al-Smith (@garyalsmith) January 23, 2024
Gary’s tweet has sparked mixed reactions from social media users on X. While a few of them supported him, some disagreed and argued that journalists are also fans and they are free to express their frustrations because the players are paid with their taxes too.
Journalist are also passionate fans. You’ve to understand that. Sometimes your feelings get in the way. These lot are paid with their taxes. They must take action like the fans!
— Hayford (@hayfordcfc) January 23, 2024
This is why I can't be a journalist ooo. Because me I go vex pass them saf. You know this job do too much.
— SITSO (@OfficialSitso) January 23, 2024
True but emotions are emotions. It can get the most out of people. Last last we will be fine
— nkunku’s houseboy🎈 (@iamyourspec) January 23, 2024
Barbaric act from those people 🤫 how can someone who called himself a journalist insult coach because he lost a game
— king Gaddafi (@ElGaddafi4) January 23, 2024
Well said Gary – when you are a journalist in the press area you need to be neutral and objective. That does not mean that you cannot be a fan outside those areas! Like most jobs your professional life and private life need to be separated!
— Nick Cavell (@Nic_Cavell) January 23, 2024
