Referee Gabriel Opoku Arhin with six-game ban by GFA after failing to show Kotoko captain Ganiu RED CARD

Ghana Premier League referee Gabriel Opoku Arhin has been handed a six-game ban following his poor performance in the game between Asante Kotoko and Bechem United on matchday two at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium.

Arhin was found guilty of failing to show Kotoko captain Abdul Ganiu Ismail a red card after a reckless tackle on Bechem United striker Emmanuel Avornyo while the game was still goalless.

Kotoko went on to win the game 2-0 thanks to two late goals from Ganiu and Samuel Boateng.

Although, Bechem opted not officially complain to the match review panel, a post by midfielder Augustine Okrah drew the attention of the body and has promptly reacted.

SUMMARY OF COMPLAINT

In the 59th minute, the referee failed to give a red card to Ismail Abdul-Ganiyu (player of Asante Kotoko) for a seriously bad tackle on Emmanuel Avornyo (player of Bechem
United).

OBSERVATIONS, FINDINGS AND GROUNDS OF THE DECISION

Per the video watched, we saw the player No. 30 of Asante Kotoko engaged in a serious foul play against player number 7 of Bechem. Per Law 12 (Fouls and Misconduct), the
player used excessive force which endangers the safety of an opponent and therefore should be expelled.

MATCH OFFICIAL RESPONSES/DEFENCE

Gabriel Opoku Arhin, the center referee for that game admitted that during the game, he
could not see the offence clearly but after consultation with the fourth referee (Andrew Awurisa) they decided to give the minimal sanction of a yellow card.

However, after watching the video of the match they both admitted that they erred. The Assistant two (Alex Osam-Nyarko) also claimed that he could not see clearly due to the
distance between him and location of the incident.

DECISION(S)
The referee (Gabriel Opoku Arhin) erred in a major decision which was a carrier threatening tackle.

He is suspended for six (6) matchdays effective from the date of
communication.
The fourth referee (Andrew Awurisa) is suspended for four (4) matchdays for his role played in the match effective from the date of communication.

Source: GFA Communication