Ghanaian referees threaten to boycott league matches over security concerns

Ghana Referees Association chairman Joe Debrah has threatened a boycott of the rest of the Premier League matches over security concerns.

This comes after referee Nuhu Liman was hit with a stone in the game involving Elmina Sharks and Medeama while on his way to the tunnel at half-time, bringing the game to an abrupt end.

However, Ghana FA Disciplinary Committee did not find any of the two clubs guilty, on the grounds that it wasn't clear who threw the object, adding that the referee didn't have the right to end the game.

A replay of the match has been scheduled for a neutral venue.

According to Debrah, the decision is unfair and lacks common sense since the two assistants on the day have been banned four games each.

“The ruling on Elmina Sharks and Medeama case is a bias one and an injustice,” Debrah told Otec FM.

“This ruling is bogus to say the least. Those at the disciplinary committee are behaving like they don’t know anything about football. Common sense should tell them that the referee was clearly injured in the process after the attack.

“If GFA has the power to sanction then the referees also have the power to boycott games to protect their lives and properties. Those on the disciplinary committee are useless. We are giving them few days to correct things or else they will officiate the top-flight on their own.

“If we don’t hear from them before Tuesday, they should either cancel or suspend the league because we won’t officiate the rest of the matches.

“How can they say that the referee doesn’t have the right to call the end of the match? The referees did nothing wrong by ending the match,” he added.

The premier league will be on break this weekend to pave way for round 64 of FA Cup, however, matchday 14 fixtures will return on May 30.