The Kurt Okraku era commenced
with the dire need to upheave many practices, which were not limited to only the clubs which suffered a prolonged absence from regular football, or the supporters who may have lost some love for Ghana football. The badged and authorized mediators of our game, who were a critical focal point in the number 12 expose, are still a game influencing component of our football.
At the onset, a specialized Referees Integrity Course was organized to enable these officials to brace themselves for the rigours and adversities of the trade and importantly, attempt to insulate them from being corrupted. Undoubtedly, the adhesive to mend the broken trust of the Ghana football brand is quality and uncompromising officiating. In all, 311 referees were participants for the 4-day course.
It must be admitted that the art of serving as an arbitrator in a passionate sport such as football is not an
easy one and the consequences, as seen in the Anas expose are far-reaching. Just a couple of days ago, a coach, in protest mode approached a referee directly on the pitch to remonstrate against a decision he deemed unfair and inaccurate. Coach Abdul Karim Zito of Dreams FC, also felt that they should have taken
something away from their match day 7 encounter against Accra Hearts of Oak. The 1-0 loss was an unfair result according to the tactician. In another tirade on the same match day, Medeama’s defeat to Aduana Stars was as a result of a ‘low performance’ from the FIFA Referee, according to Coach Samuel Boadu.
The referees at the centre of these controversies, Eso Doh Morrison and Charles Bulu, as is the custom, have not had the opportunity and may never be afforded that chance to make a comment on these issues. The GFA’s position is clear on public appearances for referees. Dr. Tony Aubynn, GFA EXCO member at the referees’ seminar, hammered that point. In as much as it looks lopsided to have access to just one side of the story, the net effect of these overly critical reviews do not do much justice to the entire footballing fibre of country.
Even in football settings whichpossess cutting edge technology such as the top 4 leagues in Europe (English
Premier League, Spanish Primera Liga, German Bundesliga, Italian Serie ‘A’) and with VAR taking precedence in how their on-field events are judged, influential errors still do occur. Based on that evidence, it seems that perfection in officiating may not be achievable after all. Imagine how football fables such as the famous hand of God goal scored by Diego Armando Maradonna would have been wiped away. That is in no way an attempt to glorify the errors of officials.
The indisputable courage and competence displayed by referee Emmanuel Eshun in the titanic match day 6
encounter between Accra Hearts of Oak and Kumasi Asante Kotoko has not received the much needed praise as the criticisms in the preceding paragraphs have. From where Ghana football was rescued, propagation and of negative happenings will not serve us well in any way. It is high time the GFA clamped down on unjustifiable negative outbursts, while encouraging constructive criticism for the betterment of the game in Ghana.
Kow Akyen Sackey.
The writer is an avid football pundit/commentator with TV3 and Joy FM/Joy News. He is an investment banker by profession. Reach him via email – kowsackey@gmail.com, Twitter: @kowsackey
