Hearts condemn unsporting behaviour

Accra, July 9, GNA - The Interim Management Committee of Accra Hearts of Oak Sporting Club has condemned in no uncertain terms the unsporting and regrettably behaviour of some of its unhappy fans but commended the leadership of the supporters for helping to contain the situation.

A post-match violence occurred on Wednesday after the 28th Week Glo Premier League encounter between Hearts and Bechem Chelsea at the Ohene Djan Sports stadium, Accra where some irate Phobian supporters were said to have manhandled the match officials.

Frank Nelson Nwokolo, Vice Chairman of the IMC in a reactionary statement signed and copied to GNA Sports, he noted that even though they appreciate the feelings of the supporters on the team's performance lately, taking the laws into their hands over a referee's misconduct was not the best.

It said that it noted that referee S.B. Bortey's display of gross incompetence and inefficiency triggered off the post-match violence by a few unhappy fans but in the ensuing melee, the leadership of the supporters were proactive by offering rapid-protection to both the match officials and the Chelsea team.

Mr Nwokolo said the IMC was informed some hours later that assistant referee Dawood Ouedrago was an unfortunate victim and was admitted to the Ridge Hospital where the Vice Chairman of Hearts rushed and met the GFA President, Kofi Nyantakyi and the Deputy General Secretary, Mr Emmanuel Gyimah.

He said the "Ghana Football Association has grievance-mechanisms for such issues and we shall pursue that path as far as Referee Bortey is concerned. Indeed we have protested to the GFA about the referee's conduct".

Mr Nwokolo therefore appealed to all supporters to exercise restrain during the difficult times and be comforted that from a dangerous position last year, the team's current position is an indication of attempts by the Board and Management to bring it back to its rightful position as 'we press towards the goal with our 'Never Say Die' motto'.