Asante Kotoko-Karela: Penalty awarded by referee legitimate- Coach Mariano Barreto 

Asante Kotoko head coach Mariano Barreto says his side was awarded a legitimate penalty by the referee in their game against Karela United.

Fabio Gama scored from the spot-kick to help The Porcupine Warriors secure a 2-1 win over Karela United to go top of the Premier League table.

The decision by the referee to award Asante Kotoko the penalty after a challenge from Karela United goalkeeper Richard Baidoo on Evans Adomako in the box has been met with a lot of criticisms.

Coach Barreto in his post-match interview said he wasn't sure of the decision until watching replays of the incident on video.

“I don’t know what is in the mouth of people.

Before I had my doubts but after I saw the video, all the people are saying, it’s a clear penalty.

“So it should be 3-1, it was finished 2-1 that’s ok.

“Most important is the hard work we did and most important is the teamwork we showed”

Asante Kotoko after the win has taken a three-point lead on the table.

The Porcupine Warriors play their next game against Hearts of Oak at the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday in the Super Clash.