Chairman of the Asante Kotoko Interim Management Committee (IMC), Nana Apinkrah Akwasi Awuah, has advised the club’s players and technical team to refrain from attacking match officials, regardless of the outcome of games.
His comments follow reports of an alleged confrontation involving head coach Abdul Karim Zito and his assistant, Prince Yaw Owusu, with match officials after Kotoko’s Matchday 19 Ghana Premier League fixture against Bibiani Gold Stars.
The Porcupine Warriors were held to a frustrating goalless draw last Saturday, a result that left the technical team aggrieved after a goal they believed was legitimate was disallowed. In the aftermath of the game, Zito and his assistant were accused of exhibiting unsporting behaviour towards the referee.
Speaking on the issue, Nana Apinkrah Awuah condemned any form of aggression towards officials and urged restraint from all members of the club.
“I will plead with my players and the technical team not to attack referees under any circumstances,” he said. “I will also call on the Ghana Football Association to make articles relating to referees’ performance available. The charge should not always be the club.”
Meanwhile, the Ghana Football Association’s Disciplinary Committee has officially charged Abdul Karim Zito and his assistant, Prince Yaw Owusu, with misconduct following the Gold Stars encounter.
The draw has further dented Asante Kotoko’s title ambitions, with the club dropping to fourth place on the league table and now sitting eight points behind leaders Medeama SC as the Premier League race continues to intensify.
