A former International Society of Automation (ISA) student at the University of Ghana and referee for Bibiani Gold Stars vs. Asante Kotoko on Matchday 13 has apologized profusely.
After the betPawa Premier League week 13 ended, the referee at Dun’s Park in Bibiani became the most hotly debated subject across all social media platforms because of a decision that altered the dynamics of the game’s results.
Following a goal by Steve Mukwala that put the Porcupine Warriors ahead, he gave Bibiani Gold Stars a penalty. In an aerial challenge five minutes into the second half, a Bibiani Gold Stars player purposefully handled the ball.
The referee who officiated the game last Monday wrongfully awarded a penalty to Bibiani Gold Stars; the players of Kotoko argued that the player who handled the ball happened to be a player of the home side, but the decision to award a penalty remained unchanged.
The curious editors at www.atspo.com have asked Kumasi Asante Kotoko’s supporters if they should accept referee Franklin Akumatey’s apology for calling the wrong penalty in the Goldstars draw.
The referee on Wednesday, January 18, 2023, granted an interview with Kessben FM and TV, apologizing for the decision that changed the results of the game and affected Kotoko’s position on the league table.
He admitted to Frederick Acheampong on Midfield Action: “It was a human error, and I did not see it well at that flash moment. The ball landed on the hand of the Bibiani player rather than the Kotoko player.”
Franklin Akumatey disclosed that the decision he took against Asante Kotoko was not deliberate in the interview with Executive Committee Member Frederick Acheampong.
Akumatey admitted, “It was after the game that I saw that. I got it wrong. It was a human error, but not one that was deliberate. I consulted my assistants, but I did not get enough help, so they told me to decide for myself. I wish I had a VAR that afternoon.”
