GFA HANDS REFEREE GABRIEL OPOKU ARHIN SIX (6) GAMES SUSPENSION FOR POOR OFFICIATING DURING KOTOKO AND BECHEM UNITED GPL MATCH

The referees committee of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) after careful investigations into allegations of unfair and biased officiating during a GPL clash against Krobea Kumasi Asante Kotoko and Bechem United drew a conclusion that has not sat well with many.

In the much anticipated game which took place in the match week-2 between Kumasi Asante Kotoko and Bechem United, the Match Review Panel of the Ghana Football Association has recommended the suspension of four referees for erroneous decisions in Ghana Premier League matches they officiated.

The observation and decision read as follows;

“SUMMARY OF COMPLAINT
In the 59th minute, the referee failed to give a red card to Ismail Abdul-Ganiyu (player of Asante Kotoko) for a seriously bad tackle on Emmanuel Avornyo (player of Bechem United).

OBSERVATIONS, FINDINGS AND GROUNDS OF THE DECISION
Per the video watched, we saw the player No. 30 of Asante Kotoko engaged in a serious foul play against player number 7 of Bechem. Per Law 12 (Fouls and Misconduct), the player used excessive force which endangers the safety of an opponent and therefore should be expelled.

MATCH OFFICIAL RESPONSES/DEFENCE
Gabriel Opoku Arhin, the center referee for that game admitted that during the game, he could not see the offence clearly but after consultation with the fourth referee (Andrew Awurisa) they decided to give the minimal sanction of a yellow card. However, after watching the video of the match they both admitted that they erred. The Assistant two (Alex Osam-Nyarko) also claimed that he could not see clearly due to the distance between him and location of the incident.

DECISION(S)
The referee (Gabriel Opoku Arhin) erred in a major decision which was a carrier threatening tackle.
1. He is suspended for six (6) matchdays effective from the date of communication.
2. The fourth referee (Andrew Awurisa) is suspended for four (4) matchdays for his role played in the match effective from the date of communication.

signed, Dr. Francis Eyiah Bediako
Chairman, Match Review Panel”

The decision has got many questioning the GFA Referees committee as other have commended them for their swift actions.

The question asked by majority of supporters include,

“Will the later decision change the outcome of the game than during the game?”

“If the decision affected the outcome of the game, then does it warrant a replay or awarding of points?”