The Second Vice Chairman of the Kumasi Asante Kotoko National Circles, Mr Emmanuel Boamah, has called on Ghanaian referees to ensure fairness in their handling of matches involving the country’s two most successful clubs, Asante Kotoko and Accra Hearts of Oak.
Speaking as an invited guest at the Annual Delegates Assembly of the Accra Hearts of Oak National Chapters Committee, Boamah urged match officials to avoid decisions that could disadvantage the two traditional giants.
According to him, Kotoko and Hearts occupy a unique position in Ghanaian football and should not be subjected to unfair officiating.
“Every nation has two biggest clubs in their various leagues, and in Ghana, it is Accra Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko. So, I will urge our referees to be free and fair to us. If they cannot help us, they should not cheat us.”
Boamah further suggested that perceived poor officiating against the two clubs is contributing to declining supporter attendance at league matches.
He argued that some supporters have become reluctant to travel to stadiums because of the belief that match officials sometimes enter games with predetermined outcomes in favour of other clubs.
“Most supporters refuse to attend our matches because they perceive that match officials come to officiate with their scoreline already determined in favour of the so-called smaller clubs,” he stated.
The Kotoko supporters’ leader called for greater professionalism and neutrality from referees, insisting that fair officiating is essential to restoring confidence among supporters and improving attendance at Ghanaian football venues.
His comments come amid long-standing debates over the standard of refereeing in the Ghana Premier League, with supporters of both Kotoko and Hearts frequently expressing concerns about controversial decisions during matches.
