Kessben lose points over Chelsea visit

Kessben FC's hopes of finishing in the top-four in the Glo Premier League could be in doubt after a disciplinary decision went against the Abrankese side.

The Disciplinary Committee of the Ghana Football Association has ruled against Kessben for causing the abrupt end of their match-day-20 fixture with Chelsea at the Anane Boateng Stadium.


Match referee, Silas Okine discontinued play after the first half when he was hit by an object.


Chelsea had laid claim for the points stating that the sudden end of the game was necessitated by the home fans.


According to the Disciplinary Committee, Article 34(1) (d) of the FA's regulations states that a team commits an offence punishable by forfeiture of a match where the player(s) or supporter(s) of the team initiate an act responsible for the abrupt end of the match.


The committee further noted that from the submissions by all the parties, the only matter to determine was who caused the abrupt end of the said match.


“The committee has no reason to doubt the report of the referee and his assistant 1 especially when it is corroborated by the general match coordinator that Kessben supporters were responsible for throwing the water sachet that hit the referee and therefore the abrupt end of the match”, the decision read.

In upholding the protest by Chelsea, the DC declared Kessben losers of the week 20 encounter in line with GFA Regulation 34 (1) (d) and awarded three points and three goals to Chelsea as per GFA Regulation 34 (2).


Also, Kessben will lose three points and three goals from their points build up and are fined GHC1,000 with half of that amount going the way of Chelsea in accordance with Article 34 (5). Kessben were also directed to pay the transportation expenses of Chelsea which shall be calculated by the GFA.


The misconduct of supporters of Kessben also attracted a further fine of GHC1,500 in accordance with Article 35 (4).


A separate case brought against Kessben FC goalkeepers trainer Sampson Appiah, adjudged the trainer guilty under the GFA Regulation 35 (1) with two counts of misconduct.


According to evidence brought before the Disciplinary Committee, Sampson Appiah unlawfully entered the field of play during a stoppage in the 43rd minute and angrily admonished the referee for his rulings and thereby encouraged an unhealthy demonstration.


For his gestures, the Kessben goalkeepers trainer has been suspended for three matches in line with GFA Regulations 35 (1) (b) and 39 (1) (a).