GPL Referee in charge of Kotoko vs Bechem United suspended by GFA

The Match Review Panel of the Ghana Premier League has recommended the suspension of referee Gabriel Opoku for an erroneous decision in Matchweek 2 game against Asante Kotoko and Bechem United.



Bechem United complained to the panel that Abdul Ganiyu should have been sent off for a bad tackle on Emmanuel Avornyo.

Official Ghana Premier League panel ruling:

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 career-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.