Accra Hearts of Oak head coach, Kenichi Yatshuashi has called on referees to protect his players from needless tackles.

Play-maker Samudeen Ibrahim has played just once in the 2015/16 Ghana Premier League season and this is due to an injury he picked up in their opening day fixture against New Edubiase United in Accra.

Striker Cosmos Dauda also picked up an injury after scoring the opening goal in Hearts’ 2-0 victory over Medeama SC and these injuries has forced the Japanese-American gaffer to call for the protection of his charges.

Speaking at the club’s open day training session at the Legon Ajax Park, coach Keni said, “a referee missed a violent play against Eric Kumi after he was kicked by an opponent who had no intention to play the ball and these things have to be checked and to help protect the players.”

He added, “there are also players who just simulate just to convince referees with minimal or no contact at all and this act of play must be halted before it affects teams negatively.”

Kenichi will be in the technical area when Hearts return to their favourite Accra Sports Stadium to play Bechem United in Match-Day Four in the Ghana Premier League as the quest to ‘reclaim the lost Phobian glory continues.