Referee Samuel Suker has been exonerated by Ghana Football Association following a 'controversial penalty' decision in Hearts of Oak’s 1-0 win over Asante Kotoko in matchday eight of the Ghana Premier League played in Accra on March 19.
With the game heading to a draw after 82 minutes, Suker awarded the Phobians a penalty when striker Samuel Yeboah's shot on goal was blocked by Kotoko defender Ahmed Adams.
Vincent Atinga transformed the spot kick to carry the day for the hosts.
After the game, television replays showed the ball hitting the back of Adams, prompting Kotoko to officially protest against the decision.
However, footage from Ghana FA cameraman used by the match review panel shows that Adams used his arm to thwart the effort of Yeboah while defending.
“The GFA executive committee has approved the Match Review Panel’s recommendation in respect of the Ghana Premier League between Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko played in Accra,” a GFA statement read.
“The Match Review Panel reviewed the video of the match to establish whether referee Samuel Sukah’s decision to award a penalty kick to Accra Hearts of Oak in the 82nd minute of the afore-mentioned match was right or wrong.
“Referee Samuel Sukah was invited to the committee’s meeting on Wednesday, March 22, 2017 to assist in the committee deliberations.
“The committee concluded that referee Samuel Sukah was right in the decision he took, as the ball indeed hit the arm of Kotoko’s defender in jersey number 14.
“The Committee further noted that the defender took a risk in diving to block the ball, which hit his elbow.
“Consequently, the exco has approved the committee’s recommendation not to sanction, Referee Samuel Sukah,” the statement added.
In other related news, referee Justice Adu Poku, who officiated Wafa and Tema Youth on matchday four in Sogakope, has been banned for the rest of the season after he awarded a dubious penalty to Wafa to win the day.
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