Dreams FC have responded forcefully to Accra Lions’ accusations of poor officiating during their Ghana Premier League week 16 clash on Sunday.
The match ended in a 1-0 win for Dreams at the Tuba AstroTurf Park.
Accra Lions, last season’s league runners-up, criticised the refereeing, suggesting it contributes to the league’s struggles with attractiveness and lack of sponsorship. They called for reforms to enhance professionalism, transparency, and sportsmanship in Ghanaian football.
But Dreams FC countered these claims in a detailed statement, stressing the need to address issues through appropriate channels.
“While we generally agree on the importance of integrity, professionalism, and fair play, these principles must be upheld without hypocrisy or double standards,” Dreams stated.
The club highlighted that refereeing errors are a global issue, even in leagues using advanced technology. They noted that officials found guilty of poor performance are penalized, and urged stakeholders to submit complaints through proper procedures.
Dreams questioned Accra Lions’ intentions, pointing to the absence of any specific complaints about officiating in the match.
They also referenced Lions’ silence on refereeing decisions that reportedly favoured them in a recent match against Hearts of Oak.
“Football clubs worldwide benefit or suffer from officiating decisions. It is our responsibility as industry players to recognize this fact,” Dreams remarked.
Dreams further accused Lions of targeting them due to their association with Ghana FA President Kurt Okraku. “The conduct of some Accra Lions officials, including physical attacks on match officials, coupled with their pre- and post-match commentary, seemed calculated to poison the minds of stakeholders,” the statement read.
Dreams also defended their reputation, citing their CAF Confederation Cup semi-final achievement as evidence of their contribution to Ghanaian football. “The attempt to taint our efforts, which have brought Ghanaian football global recognition, is disingenuous and must be rejected by well-meaning stakeholders,” the club noted.
🚨 CLUB STATEMENT : STATEMENT ON FALLOUTS OF OUR GAME AGAINST ACCRA LIONS AND MATTERS ARISING.#StillBelieve☝🏾💚 | #IGWT | #DFC15 pic.twitter.com/DGSB2Cw8Li
— DREAMS FC 🏆 22/23 FA CUP CHAMPIONS (@DreamsFootballC) January 7, 2025
The statement claimed that the match was played in a competitive spirit, attributing their narrow victory to inefficiency in converting chances. “We urge clubs to inspire confidence in our league rather than pursuing personal, short-sighted agendas,” the statement concluded.
Dreams FC’s response comes as they aim to climb out of the relegation zone, following a string of poor results before the victory over Accra Lions. The win marked their first in five games, leaving them in 17th place on the league table.
