Hearts file protest against Kotoko for fielding unqualified player

Accra Hearts of Oak yesterday formally filed a protest against Kumasi Asante Kotoko for allegedly fielding an unqualified player in their August 2 super clash at the Accra Sports Stadium. Hearts lost the match 2-1.

Hearts claim Kotoko’s Obed Owusu was unqualified to feature in their 25th league tie, having previously attracted four yellow cards in three First Capital Plus Premier League games -- [Kotoko vs Aduana Stars at Dormaa-Ahenkro], [Kotoko vs AshantiGold at Obuasi] and [Kotoko vs AshantiGold in Kumasi] -- and one MTN FA Cup match, making him disqualified from featuring against Hearts because they contended the player had not served the automatic one-match suspension.

A management official of Hearts, Hackman Aidoo, confirmed to the Graphic Sports yesterday that the club officially filed the protest at the FA Secretariat at around midday and were awaiting the activation by the FA’s Disciplinary Committee of the necessary processes for hearing of the case.

“We are protesting that our records show that Kotoko’s player, Obed Owusu, attracted four cautions in Matchday 1 , Matchday 7 , FA Cup semi-final against Aduana Stars and Matchday 24 but has not served the mandatory suspension,” explained Mr Aidoo.

By the FA’s regulations, Kotoko are to be notified in writing of Hearts’ protest following which the Porcupine Warriors are to respond not later than three days after receipt of the notification.

The FA will be enjoined to furnish Hearts with a copy of Kotoko’s defence to enable the Phobians respond which will set the ground for a hearing at the Disciplinary Committee.

Hearts are praying the Disciplinary Committee to rule in their favour, which will make them winners of the match on technical grounds and be richer by three points and three goals as per the FA’s regulations.

If Kotoko are declared losers, they will not only lose the match but also be ducked three additional points as per the FA regulations.

In a related development, Kotoko have sent to the FA their defence to a protest by AshantiGold against the use of Owusu in the 24th week fixture between the two sides at the Baba Yara Stadium on July 26. Kotoko won the match 1-0.

AshantiGold are seeking to be declared winners on technical grounds, claiming Owusu was unqualified to feature in the match because he had attracted three cautions but had not served the mandatory one match suspension.

The Communications Manager of Kotoko, Kwaku Ahenkorah, told the Graphic Sports yesterday that the club sent its defence in writing to the FA last Monday and was waiting for hearing by the Disciplinary Committee.