Bibiani Goldstars CEO, Akwasi Adu, has lauded the club’s players and supporters for their commendable sportsmanship despite a controversial refereeing decision during their dramatic 1-1 draw against Accra Hearts of Oak at Dun’s Park on Sunday, March 23.
The Week 25 Ghana Premier League encounter was fiercely contested, with both teams showing determination and resilience. Bibiani Goldstars took the lead in the first half, setting the stage for what looked like a crucial victory on home soil. However, Hearts of Oak fought back in the second half, eventually leveling the score.
The Pivotal Moment: Referee Overturns a Key Penalty Decision
The most talked-about moment of the match occurred in the second half when referee Foster Bastiours awarded Bibiani Goldstars a penalty.
The decision came after Hearts of Oak defender Osei Asibe was adjudged to have committed a foul inside the box. Asibe was subsequently shown a yellow card, seemingly confirming the referee’s initial ruling.
However, in a surprising turn of events, Bastiours opted to revisit his decision. After further consultation with his assistant, he overturned the penalty call, allowing play to continue.
This unexpected reversal left Bibiani Goldstars’ players, technical team, and supporters in disbelief, as they had been anticipating the chance to regain their lead from the spot.
Akwasi Adu Applauds Sportsmanship Despite Controversy
Despite the frustration surrounding the referee’s decision, Bibiani Goldstars conducted themselves professionally throughout the match.
Their CEO, Akwasi Adu, took the opportunity to commend the team and their supporters for displaying patience and discipline in the face of adversity.
“Thank you, Bibiani, for the show of good sportsmanship in the times of controversy during the Week 25 league game against Accra Hearts of Oak at Dun’s Park,” Akwasi Adu stated.
“Your patience and comportment are commendable. Keep up the good behaviour, and it will pay off in the long run.”
His comments reflect the club’s commitment to maintaining high ethical standards in Ghanaian football, even when decisions appear to go against them.
Reactions to the Controversial Decision
Fans of Bibiani Gold Stars have expressed their frustration, feeling that their team was denied a legitimate scoring opportunity.
Ghanaian football experts have also weighed in on the incident, with some calling for the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to review the match officiating to prevent similar controversies in the future.
