Soccer News of Tuesday, 10 February 2004

Source: GNA

Hearts duo suspended

Accra, Feb 10, GNA - Champions Club, Accra Hearts of Oak has suspended two of their influential players for what they described as gross indiscipline on the part of the duo.

The Interim Management Committee (IMC) of the club suspended the players, Daniel Quaye and Emmanuel Osei Kuffour (pictured) for two months and a month respectively.

A release jointly signed by Mr Thomas Okine, chairman of the IMC and Herbert Addo, the head coach and copied to the GNA Sports entreated both players to pack their baggage and leave the Phobian's Prampram-based camping base immediately.

The release indicated that the suspension stemmed from what they described as gross indiscipline before, during and after the Hearts game against King Faisal in the on-going Coca Cola Top Four competition played at the Kumasi Sports Stadium last Sunday.

The Phobians lost the game when they conceded a late minute harmless weak goal that was scored by Joe Agyemang of Faisal to end the proceedings.

Information gathered by the GNA Sports indicates that the two players who misconducted themselves verbally before the team departed from Accra continued with their behaviour during and after the team's game.

When the GNA Sports spoke with coach Addo he confirmed the information and expressed his disappointment about the actions of the two key players of the club.

"I am highly disappointed that players in the caliber of Kuffour and Quaye who have every reason to behave in an exemplary manner for the rest of the boys, especially the young ones could act that irresponsibly" he said.

On whether the suspension of the duo who are very influential in the team's camp presently will not affect their chances in the Top Four and subsequence games, the coach answered in the negative.

"No one is indispensable but although the duo have distinguished themselves and have proved to be pillars of the team, we have equally good players who can replace them" he stressed.

Coach Addo was convinced that the suspension of the two was the right step to ensure discipline in camp and to caution others to be on their guard while it will inspire the others to work hard to fill the slots left by the two.

While Kuffour is expected to end his suspension in Tuesday March 9, Quaye who was suspended last year against a similar circumstance will be back to action on Friday April 9 after his two months suspension.

This means the Phobians will begin this year's African Champions League campaign without the services of their seasoned defender.