Hearts to play behind closed doors …for violating Covid-19 protocols
Accra Hearts of Oak SC has been referred to the Disciplinary Committee of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) for breaching the GFA Covid-19 Match day protocols.
In view of this, Hearts would play it home matches behind closed doors till the case was determined, according to a statement from the GFA.
In addition, only 10 Management Members of the club would be allowed at the stadium for home matches whilst the away teams shall also be entitled to same at the Accra sports Stadium.
The FA statement condemns, without any reservations, the violations of the GFA Match day Protocols at the Accra Sports Stadium, despite the plans put in place.
It said further actions may be taken should there be any further violations of the GFA Matchday Protocols and called on other clubs to take note and comply strictly.
It added that only 30 persons shall sit at the Upper VVIP during matches with all other stands closed.
“The GFA wishes to sound a note of caution to all members (especially Premier League clubs, Division One League clubs, Women’s Premier League clubs, lower league clubs) and stakeholders that the association will not hesitate to take action(s) to ensure strict adherence to the national Covid-19 Protocols as well as its approved GFA Match day Protocols.
“The GFA wishes to assure all Ghanaians that the association would continue to support the national fight against the Covid-19 pandemic.
The association has urged all clubs to continue with the education of all their supporters and the public on the Covid-19 protocols while the association continues its engagements with all relevant stakeholders for the safety of all.
Hearts played against Great Olympics last Saturday and the attendance at the stadium was obviously more than the 25% allocated to clubs by the protocols.
Meanwhile, Kosta Papic, Head Coach of Accra Hearts of Oak has said the defeat to arch-rivals Great Olympics will not dampen the spirit of the team.
The Serbian coach tasted his first defeat since taking charge of the team against a resurgent Great Olympics side who has recorded wins against the two big giants of Ghana football, Asante Kotoko and Hearts of Oak.
Speaking to the press after the defeat, Coach Papic blamed his midfielders for the poor outing on the match-day.
“Two big mistakes in the first half cost us victory today. My midfielders didn’t do the job we expected of them and we had too many chances to score a goal but we couldn’t.
“We are going to fight very hard to get the three points in our next game.
“We have lost the match but not the battle and we are still fighting. We would regroup to be better for our next matches.
“We respect every team in the league and we won’t underrate anyone. Great Olympics is a good side undoubtedly but the two big mistakes cost us,” he said.
Hearts would travel to Tarkwa in midweek to face Medeama in match-day 12 of the 2020/21 Ghana Premier League. –GNA
