Kotoko facing heavy punishment as pressure grows for medals snub

Published on: 08 July 2011

Ghanaian giants Kotoko are facing a heavy punishment and huge fine from the football authorities over their decision to boycott the medals presentation ceremony at the President Cup, GHANAsoccernet.com understands.

The Porcupine Warriors have not responded to a 48-hour ultimatum for write to the Ghana League Clubs Association (GHALCA) to explain their conduct.

Kotoko walked away in protest over the decision by Referee Mohammed Awal to order that two penalty kicks be re-taken during their clash with league champions Berekum Chelsea.

The decision not to write to GHALCA is likely to result in a ban on the team, the coach and some of his players who led the protest and a fine, insiders have told GHANAsoccernet.com.

Kotoko refused to be decorated with their silver medals despite attempts by the organisers to cajole them to receive their medals.

GHALCA are furious that the conduct of Kotoko is an affront to the office of the Vice President, John Dramani Mahama who was the special guest for the match.

Referee Mohammed Awal twice ordered re-takes of penalties by Chelsea’s Alexander Yaw and Alfred Arthur as the referee penalised Kotoko’s goalkeeper, Abdoulaye Soulama, for moving off his line before both kicks were taken.

Kotoko eventually lost the penalty shoot-out 7-6, the game itself having ended 2-2 in regulation time.

Television replays have shown that referee Awal was right with his decision as he applied Law14 of the laws of the game.

Kotoko benefited from the application of Law 14 during their penalty shoot-out victory over Wa All Stars on Wednesday when a saved penalty by the visitors’ goalkeeper was rejected because he moved off his line.

Kotoko in 2005 walked off the pitch against Heart of Lions after a penalty was awarded to the latter during a Top 4 tournament game at the Accra Sports Stadium.

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