Julius Neequaye Kotey, the boss of DVL, has expressed disappointment over what he describes as poor officiating during the first Super Clash of the 2025/26 Ghana Premier League season between Asante Kotoko and Hearts of Oak.
“It’s hard to genuinely enjoy Ghana football when the referee’s strategy seems so clearly designed to influence the outcome,” Kotey lamented in post sighted by MyNewsGh.
“Giving Hearts all the 50/50 balls, but then making two major, game-changing decisions against them, a penalty for Kotoko and disallowing a Hearts goal. Such cruel mentality erodes faith in Ghana Football.”
His comments followed Kotoko’s 1–0 victory over Hearts of Oak at the Accra Sports Stadium, where referee Reginald Collins Amoah played a decisive role in determining the result.
The turning point of the match came just before halftime when Amoah awarded Kotoko a penalty after judging a challenge by Amankwah Baafi on Peter Amidu Acquah inside the box.
Guinean forward Morifing Donzo calmly converted from the spot to give the Porcupine Warriors the lead.
Hearts returned stronger in the second half, mounting pressure and creating chances through Raphael Amponsah and Hamza Issah, but their efforts were cut short in stoppage time when Mawuli Wayo’s equalizer was ruled out for offside after consultation between the referee and his assistants.
The decision drew widespread criticism from Hearts supporters and neutral observers alike, with many accusing the referee of inconsistency and bias.
“When referees start influencing games this way, it kills the spirit of competition,” Kotey added. “Fans lose trust, players lose motivation, and the beauty of our league fades away.”
