Strand blames referee for Medeama defeat

Medeama coach Tom Strand says his side were undone by officiating in the second half of their 1-2 loss to Bechem United.

His side surrendered a first half lead against his former employers and in his post-match reactions, has accused match officials of succumbing to pressure from the hosts after recess.

The Mauves and Yellow were handed a 22nd minute penalty which was converted by striker Nathaniel Asamoah but Bechem United rallied back to level up through an Ernest Baffoe strike in the 72nd minute before in-form midfielder Noah Martey completed the comeback and win with a penalty for his side, 10 minutes from full time.

“I see that we have been cheated in the second half,” the young Medeama trainer fumed after the match.

“Both teams played good. It was high tension. It was a good game. Only that we took the first goal and then everybody on their side felt it was not a penalty in the first half and they sought to get angry.”

“What happened in the second period - their boss came down here [dressing room] to speak to the referee. What happened in the second half? I don’t have to say anything,” Strand added.

The loss to Bechem United is Strand’s second defeat in 5 matches since taking over Medeama SC from match-day 4 of the 2014/15 FCPPL.

Medeama lie 7th on the log with 11 points from 8 games.