Swedru All Blacks’ Communication Manager, Nathaniel Obeng, has accused Elmina Sharks owner, Dr. Paa Kwesi Nduom, of storming the pitch to confront referee Eso Doh Morrison.
This alleged confrontation occurred after a penalty was awarded to Swedru All Blacks during their Division One League match on February 16th.
“Paa Kwesi Ndoum went onto the field to threaten the referee after the penalty was awarded against Elmina Sharks. Where in this world does this happen?” Obeng stated.
The incident occurred in the 12th minute, sparking a chaotic scene. Obeng claims Dr. Nduom and club official Kelvin Aboagye entered the field in protest, with Dr. Nduom allegedly threatening to pull his team off the pitch if the penalty wasn’t rescinded. “Per our players’ account, Paa Kwesi Ndoum told the referee to rescind the penalty decision, or he’ll instruct the Elmina Sharks players to walk off the pitch,” Obeng added.
The match was delayed for 27 minutes due to the confrontation, but the referee stood by his decision. Following the 1-0 win for Swedru All Blacks, further incidents were reported. Obeng alleges that home fans threatened match officials, and Aboagye is accused of assaulting the referee near the tunnel. Despite police presence, security was overwhelmed, forcing players and officials to be escorted from the venue. Obeng further claimed, “The violence in the tunnel was more than what was captured on video during Elmina Sharks vs Swedru All Blacks game.”
Swedru All Blacks has called for an official investigation into the matter. Elmina Sharks, relegated from the Ghana Premier League in the 2021-22 season after playing there since 2016, now face further scrutiny. Elmina Sharks midfielder Jay Asamoah Kola has been charged with physically assaulting the referee, as seen in a viral video.
The Ghana Football Association has also stated that “It’s alleged that the club [Elmina Sharks] failed to ensure the safety of the match officials of the said game and their players behaved inappropriately.”
