Hohoe Utd demand replacement of referee over potential bias ahead of crucial DOL match

Access Bank Division One club, Hohoe United are opposing the appointment of Emmanuel Asare Darko as the main referee of their encounter with Golden Kick FC and are demanding his replacement ahead of the game.

They argue that questions of bias may be raised if Mr Asare Darko is allowed to officiate the game as he resides in the Eastern Region, where both of Hohoe United’s two closest rivals for top spot in the zone – Port City and Okwahu United – are also based.

Hohoe United take on seventh-placed Golden Kick on Saturday, April 19 at the Tuba Astro Turf in a match that could strengthen their chances of qualifying for the Ghana Premier League.

With support in the Division One League structure usually region-based, Hohoe United believe it would be unfair to have a resident of the region officiate a game that could affect the fortunes of the two teams based there.

“The likelihood that a resident of the region can be a fan of these two clubs or any other club in the region cannot be ruled out,” the club said in a letter addressed to the Ghana Football Association (GFA).

“We therefore strongly object to the appointment of a referee from the Eastern Region to preside over a game whose outcome is of interest to Okwahu United FC and Port City Football Club, two clubs from the Eastern Region.”

They highlighted Mr Asare Darko‘s relationship with the Eastern Regional Association who have a clear interest to ensure the well-being of clubs from the region.

Hohoe United insist they would similarly object to the appointment of a referee from the Volta Region officiating a game involving either of their two rivals “knowing the perceived biases that characterise our game and the need to ensure that we act in ways so as to leave no room for perceived favouritism or manipulation.”

The Volta Region-based club currently lead the Zone 3 table with 51 points, three clear of Port City FC in second and seven clear of Okwahu United with six games to play.

Below is the full statement from Hohoe United