Hearts of Oak fans are voicing their displeasure over what they perceive as ‘poor officiating’ after their team suffered a 3-2 loss to rivals Asante Kotoko in the Super Clash on Sunday.
The match, held at the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi, was marred by controversy.
Hearts of Oak contend that the officiating fell below the expected standard, particularly criticising a goal by Kotoko that they argue should not have been allowed.
According to the Phobians, the play leading to Kotoko’s goal involved an offside position, a fact revealed by several replay angles. However, both assistant referee Ali Timuah Baah and centre referee Reginald Collins Amoah missed the infringement.
Watch from here and Mukwala was even offside ?? pic.twitter.com/jeUqng1587
— PHOBIA BIRD ??????? (@tlimz1) December 10, 2023
The goal, scored by Ugandan striker Steven Mukwala, gave Kotoko the lead after Isaac Oppong had earlier cancelled out Linda Mtenge’s first-half header. Mukwala later added a third goal for Kotoko, with Hearts of Oak securing a late consolation.
According to Jones Asante Mfodwo, the spokesperson of Hearts of Oak National Chapters Committee, the refereeing in the game was “poor” and “a disgrace to Ghana football.” He believes that the referee who officiated the game, Ali Timuah Baah, is not experienced enough and was only chosen because he is “some people’s project to get him FIFA badge.”
Mfodwo pointed out that the goal scored by Kotoko’s Steven Mukwala was offside, and that the referee missed several other calls throughout the game. He stated that the refereeing in the game was not up to standard and that it affected the outcome of the match.
The defeat extends Hearts of Oak’s challenging campaign as they now trail league leaders Aduana FC by 10 points.