‘Selorm’s penalty against Kotoko was clear’ – Rtd Ref Debrah insists

Retired FIFA Referee Joe Debrah has vowed to follow Referee Selorm Yao Bless to the Appeals Committee, should he banned by the GFA Match Review Panel over his penalty decision in the Ghana Premier League match-day 26 fixture between Asante Kotoko and Legon Cities in Kumasi on Sunday.

Referee Yao Bless awarded a penalty to Legon Cities in the 14th minute after Captain Jonathan Attuquaye, who was a good position to score, was brought down by Kotoko defender Christopher Nettey.

Angry Kotoko players confronted Referee Yao Bless to register their displeasure over the penalty decision, with a protest that lasted 3 minutes before Legon Cities midfielder Michel Otou stepped up to convert the spot kick.

Despite several agitations by fans of the Porcupine Warriors, Joe Debrah, who is also an ex-Chairman of the Referees Association of Ghana insists it was a clear penalty that requires no review.

“The penalty Referee Selorm Bless awarded was a clear penalty. Stop reviewing Refereeing decisions with emotions. If the Match Review Panel ban him on this, I will follow him to the Appeals Committee,” Debrah told Accra based Angel FM.

It is unclear whether Kotoko is planning to file a protest to the GFA requesting the Match Review Panel to take a second look at the controversial first half penalty.