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‘Hearts of Oak had a clear penalty’ – J.E Sarpong

J.E has backed referee Samuel Sukah, after the official came in for criticisms for awarding Hearts of Oak a penalty in their match against Kotoko.

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Veteran coach J.E Sarpong says referee Samuel Sukah’s performance in the match between Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko was “fantastic”, insisting the official’s penalty call for the home side was spot on.

Hearts of Oak recorded their first home win over Kotoko in eight years, after Vincent Atinga perfectly slotted home a penalty in the 83rd minute of the game.

However, the aftermath of the encounter was dominated by controversy, with match official Samuel Sukah particularly coming in for criticisms from a section of the Kotoko fans.

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The official twitter handle of the Porcupine Warriors described the penalty decision as “dubious”, while assistant coach Godwin Ablordey called the referee “a disgrace”.

However, former Liberty Professionals and Ebusua Dwarfs coach, J.E Sarpong has backed the referee insisting his performance on the day was “absolutely fantastic”.

“I don’t understand what Kotoko fans are talking about because the ball was absolutely a penalty which no competent referee will overlook," the veteran coach said in an interview with Radio Gold.

“And I think referee Samuel Sukah was absolutely fantastic on the day and if I’m to rate his performance, I will give him 85%. So if Kotoko fans have anyone to blame, then they should rather blame Ahmed Adams for committing such a painful penalty."

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Hearts of Oak’s 1-0 win ended Kotoko’s unbeaten start to the season; however, the Porcupine Warriors still remain five points ahead of their rivals.

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