Former Newcastle and Brighton manager Chris Hughton allegedly faced an attack following Ghana’s unexpected defeat to Cape Verde in the Africa Cup of Nations Group B opener on Sunday. The Black Stars’ 92nd-minute loss led to tumultuous scenes at their hotel in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, with reports suggesting a Ghana fan assaulted Hughton. However, conflicting accounts emerged, with journalist Muftawu Nabila Abdulai claiming there was no arrest, and the individual used only foul language.

The incident, which involved unidentified Ghanaian assailants, resulted in the alleged attacker being handed over to authorities. Hughton, appointed Ghana’s coach after a disappointing World Cup campaign and Otto Addo’s resignation, expressed profound disappointment with the team’s performance. As Ghana faces Egypt on Thursday, the controversy adds another layer to the challenges facing Hughton and the Black Stars in the ongoing tournament.