By Patrick Akoto
Hearts striker James Abban has refuted claim he insulted referee Samuel Gyasi during their Premier League draw at Tema Youth.
Abban was shown the marching off orders for a second bookable offence after coming on in the second half in their rescheduled season’s opener at the Tema sports stadium.
The Fifa referee claimed he was verbally abused by forward which resulted in his sending off.
But the promising striker has maintained his innocence and insists he did no wrong.
“I am surprised to have read on Ghanasoccernet that the referee had granted an interview to your station to say I insulted him,†Abban told Kumasi-based Fox FM
“I tried to block a ball but shockingly the player went down claiming I had hit him. Meanwhile I did not hit him.
“The referee came to me to ask me why I did that and I explained to him I did no wrong.
“But the referee insisted I had hit the defender and he gave me the card.
“He asked me to shut up when he is talking and I retorted by saying if he shows me the card he will be tarnishing my image.
“Since I started playing football, I have never been shown a red card before.
“As far as I am concerned that was what transpired between the two of us. I never insulted him. I can never do that under any circumstances.â€
Abban will miss Hearts next game against New Edubiase at home on Sunday.