Aduana FC Chief Executive Officer Collins Atta Poku has raised concerns about what he describes as a deeply strained relationship between footballers and match officials in Ghana.
Speaking on Luv FM, he pointed to communication gaps as a key factor fueling constant friction on the pitch.
He believes referees often find it difficult to properly explain decisions, which quickly creates suspicion among players.
“They [referees] are unable to express themselves well to the players on the pitch. So it’s always hostile,” he said.
Atta Poku noted that many players approach games with the assumption that officials are biased against them.
“The relationship between players on the pitch and the referees is always hostile. Players have this mentality the referee is cheating them. Even if the referee is doing the right thing, he’s cheating me.” He added that persistent verbal abuse has also left referees frustrated and defensive.
“So the referees are also like they’ve had enough of these players verbally abusing them on the pitch and all that.”
