GPL standard 'very high', referees doing well - Former Great Olympics coach

Former head coach of Accra Great Olympics, Prince George Coffie has lauded referees in the Ghana Premier League for doing their best to keep the high standard of the game.

Match officials in the local league have come under a barrage of attacks from club officials, players, coaches and spectators for decisions taken in the game.

But in an exclusive interview with Ghanaweb, Coach Prince Coffie hailed some credible referees for raising the standard of the game but also maintained that some flaws were pardonable because it’s part of human nature.

“It’s good, so far the standard is very good. Every team is trying to do something as far as the league is concerned,” Coach Prince Coffie told Ghanaweb.

He added, “As humans as we are you will see some of the referees making some mistakes but even that I will sympathize with them because they are human. Generally, I will rate them at 70%, the 30% will go to the others.”

Coach Prince Coffie was among two other coaches who were unhappy with officiating in matchday 7 of the League.

The coaches lamented on what they feel was a calculated attempt to determine the final outcome of the game.

Following their comments, the GFA sanctioned two of the coaches - Samuel Boadu of Medeama SC and Karim Zito of Dreams FC - for their utterances. However, coach Prince Coffie resigned from his post as head coach of Great Olympics before the punishment.

The former Great Olympics coach who led the Darling Club to four matches unbeaten before a defeat to WAFA also indicated that some coaches are unable to speak out due to the FA’s stands on such issues.

“As you are aware Zito has been sanctioned because he talked about referees as well as Samuel Boadu. I know there are some coaches out there who do not want to come out and say anything.”

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