Referee Jones Akubiem awarded a DUBIOUS penalty to Bechem United – Kotoko coach Johnson Smith

Asante Kotoko assistant trainer Johnson Smith has taken a swipe at referee Jones Akubiem by insisting the penalty he awarded to Bechem United was dubious.

The center referee whistled for a penalty in favour of the Hunters after Kotoko left-back Patrick Asmah was adjudged to have fouled Caleb Asamoah inside the box.

Steven Owusu stepped up to convert the chance to put Bechem 2-1 ahead with 4 minutes left to end the first half.

Meanwhile Solomon Sarfo Taylor had capitalised on a goalkeeper howler by Abdulai Iddrisu to score the equaliser in the 32nd minute. Owusu had opened the scoring from a Clinton Duodo assist in the 5th minute.

However Johnson Smith who stepped in for the suspended Mariano Barreto believes the penalty awarded in favour of Asamoah was a dubious call.

“We lost the game and its all due to the officiating because it was dubious penalty the referee took for Bechem dampened our spirit that is why we lost the game,” he said in the post match interview.

Kotoko’s loss means Hearts of Oak, 61, have now been crowned champions of the 2020/21 Ghana Premier League.

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Source: Sports