Hohoe United have criticised the punishment handed down by the Ghana Football Association (GFA), describing the sanctions as excessive after the club was fined and handed a home match ban.
The Premier League side has been slapped with a three-match home ban and a GH¢30,000 fine by the GFA Disciplinary Committee following incidents during their Ghana Premier League clash with Vision FC last month.
According to the FA, Hohoe United was found guilty of failing to ensure the safety of match officials, allowing unauthorised persons into restricted areas, and failing to control supporters who threw objects onto the pitch during the match.
The sanctions take immediate effect, with the club given 14 days to settle the financial penalty. The FA also issued a stern warning that any repeat of similar misconduct could attract even more severe disciplinary action.
However, Hohoe United’s Communications Director Kenneth Asante has strongly criticised the decision, insisting the punishment is disproportionate.
“Before this sanction, we had pleaded not guilty to all the charges labelled against us. We presented our case and proved that we are innocent, but we were still hit with these sanctions,” Asante told Medeamaa FM.
“Truth be told, the three-match home ban and the GH¢30,000 fine imposed on us are too harsh.”
He added that the sanction comes at a difficult time for the club as they battle to stay in the Ghana Premier League.
“We are not comfortable with the ban, especially considering our position on the league log,” he said.
The ruling represents a significant setback for Hohoe United in their relegation fight, with the club currently sitting just two points above the drop zone despite winning three of their last four league matches.
As a result of the ban, Hohoe United will be forced to select an alternative venue for their upcoming home fixtures against Dreams FC, Bechem United and Berekum Chelsea.
Meanwhile, the club is expected to consider lodging an appeal against the disciplinary ruling in the coming days.