Soccer News of Monday, 19 December 2011

Source: raymond yeboah - sportsinghana.com

Referee J.O Lamptey’s report exposes Kotoko

After watching again the replay of the penalty incident that cost Chelsea that undeserved loss at the Baba Yara sports stadium against Kumasi Asante Kotoko last Wednesday, it is now clear that referee J.O. Lamptey faces sanctions by the referees’ review panel as the penalty awarded Kotoko was controversial because Nathaniel Asamoah simulated, there was no contact.

In fact, l congratulate Mr. Wanokesea Waka of Happy Sports for that investigative criticism l heard him commenting on referee J.O Lamptey’s report that he was sending to the authorities about how he was intimidated at the referees’ dressing room by Kotoko supporters before the commencement of the 2nd half.

The problem with Kotoko is that they don't want criticism but they don't do right thing that deserves praise. If l should go by what Mr. Wanokesea Waka said it means referee J.O Lamptey was not by himself in the second half that's why out of fear of the threats from the dressing room, he had to save his life and he had no option than to award that controversial penalty.

When Kotoko won the match they assaulted Chelsea fans and officials and you could imagine what would have happened to referee Lamptey had Kotoko drawn the game on that night so l don't blame the referee. He awarded the penalty to save his life. l prefer the review panel to pardon referee Lamptey and instead give their support to the Disciplinary Committee to punish Kotoko.

Where else would you witness this behavior across the globe? A home team allowing their supporters into the referees’ dressing room to issue threats to the match official because they have to benefit from the policy of once playing at home you must win at all cost?

Sadly, it is not only Kotoko who are doing this in our league, some of the clubs are also using macho men to threaten referees here and there to win their home matches. What is the work of the Security and Safety Committee who are assigned to the venues to ensure the well-being of the spectators and referees? That committee must be dissolved because they are not doing their work.

lf Kotoko supporters do not change their attitude at home towards referees, it will be difficult for them to win outside Baba Yara. Thanks.