By Kwame Bediako
A troubling incident occurred during a Division One League match between All Blacks and Elmina Sharks, on Sunday, February 16, 2025 where a match official was attacked on the field. The controversy escalated when a dubious penalty was awarded against Elmina Sharks. This event has drawn attention following a recent tragedy three weeks prior, when Kotoko Nana Pooley lost his life during a match between Nsoatreman and Kotoko, highlighting escalating tensions in Ghanaian football.
Dr. Papa Kwesi Nduom, the owner of Elmina Sharks, spoke out about his disappointment regarding the match officials’ behavior in an interview with GTV Sports Plus’s Sunday Night Live show. “I was at the stadium even before the referee and the match commissioner came. Usually, there is a conference before every match to address concerns, but these match officials did not show up for that match conference,” Dr. Nduom stated.
Dr. Nduom further recalled the moment, saying, “Twelve minutes into the match, l witnessed an incident that should not have resulted in a penalty. When that decision was made, everyone was in disbelief.”
Frustrated by the officiating, Dr. Nduom emphasised that he took action to calm the situation by asking his players to leave the field in protest, demonstrating his commitment to fair play.”I have worked with many referees, but this referee was quite, in my view, insolent. It seemed he did not care about his responsibilities,” he expressed.
The match continued, but Papa Kwesi Nduom’s concerns lingered about the future of football in Ghana. As the situation unfolded, he pondered the viability of his club’s participation in the league. “Right now, I am considering whether to even continue having this team in the league. Is it worth it? I don’t do it for money; I do it for the community and the players,” he stated.
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