I am not arrogant - Abra-Appiah

Kumasi, Jan 15, GNA - Mr Welbeck Abra-Appiah, Chairman of the Professional League Board (PLB) of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) at the weekend rebutted the misconception among most radio sports presenters that he was arrogant.

"I would accord the necessary respect to sports presenters who exhibit civility when they approach me", he remarked Mr Abra-Appiah said that it was about time that presenters demonstrated a high sense of discipline and professionalism when they approach football officials for an interview to ensure free flow of information and for the development of the sport.

Speaking at a press soiree organised by the PLB for sports journalists and broadcasters in the northern sector in Kumasi, Mr Abra-Appiah admonished sports presenters to stop forming their own opinions about personalities but explore avenues to co-operate with them in order to boost the nation's sports development.

The soiree, the first of its kind to be organised outside Accra, was aimed at strengthening the relationship between PLB officials and the participants for the success of the 2006/2007 Onetouch Premier league.

Giving an overview of the developments recorded in the first round of the league, the PLB Chairman said a total of 141 home and 74 away goals were scored which officially commenced in August and ended in December last year.

The Chairman said that Week 10 of the first round fixtures registered the highest number of 20 goals.

Mr Abra-Appiah added that a total of 35 officiating referees and 60 assistants were appointed to handle the league and commended the referees for their efficiency and also living up to expectation. He identified the kitting of referees, reduction in the number of officiating referees, institution of jerseys with assigned numbers by the respective Premier league Clubs and regular inspection of pitches to ensure that they are up to standards, as some of the innovations introduced in the league.

Alhaji Karim Grunzah, founder and bankroller of King Faisal Football Club, advised sports broadcasters to be circumspect about their reportage to ensure the success of the league. He also charged referees to shun biased officiating which he said normally spark hooliganism and controversy at league centres.