Bashiru Hayford fingers referees for bad officiating

Accra, June 16, GNA - Medeama SC head coach Bashiru Hayford has fingered the level of officiating in the just ended Premiership claiming referees reported to duty with the outcome of games already in their pockets.

Medeama lost out on second place to Kumasi Asante Kotoko in a special play off to determine who finished second after both teams tied on points at the end of the season and the outspoken coach claims referee Seidu Bomison who officiated the game at the Ohene Djan sports stadium, Accra on Wednesday favoured the 93Porcupine Warriors" who won the match 2-1.


"You all saw the level of officiating and that has been the story all season. In our last game against Kotoko in Tarkwa, referee Agbovi gave us a raw deal and today you can judge by the performance of the referee."


Coach Hayford in an interview with GNA Sports after the game claimed Kotoko's second goal, a penalty which was converted by Ivorian import, Ahmed Toure was doubtful while a credible one for his charges was denied when outlining a litany of issues that cast a doubt on referee Bomison's performance on the day.


The former Kotoko coach said "I am not a sour loser because in football, you either lose, draw or win and there is no way one can have two results at the same time.


"But what is really worrying me now is that some referees handle games in a manner that proves that results are orchestrated for some clubs even before a game is played.

"It is as if results are predetermined by someone before every game and that is very worrying. These referees are really worrying us," Hayford complained.


A first half brace from Ivorian-import Ahmed Toure powered Kotoko to a 2-1 victory over Medeama SC in their second place play-off.


Medeama pulled one back from recess and had an appeal for penalty in the closing stages of the games refused by referee Bomison after Kotoko's defender John Kuffour impeded Asamoah in his attempt to clear a ball.


The victory ensured the Porcupine Warriors finished behind uncrowned league champions, Berekum Chelsea in the standings of the 2010/2011 Premier League season, with Medeama claiming third place.


Both teams were tied on 46 points apiece and equal points via head-to-head, after the league season to necessitate a play-off in line with the regulations of the Ghana Football Association (GFA).