Referee Rustum Gameli Senorgbe at centre of storm after non-penalty call against Asante Kotoko

Referee Rustum Gameli Senorgbe is the subject of widespread criticism from Ghanaian football fans after he overlooked a glaring penalty call for Nsoatreman FC against Asante Kotoko in an outstanding league match in Obuasi on Wednesday October 2, 2024.

The Nsuatre-based side feel cheated and rightly so after the Ho-based referee turned a shocking blind eye to an obvious penalty call against the Ghanaian giants.

Nsoatreman FC had a very strong shout for a spot kick when Meider Adu Kwabena was bundled over inside the box by Michael Kyei Dwamena but the on field decision of no penalty from the referee, who is also a trained sports journalist, has sparked controversy in the country.

The referees’ indecipherable decisions in the outstanding league match in the mining town of Obuasi, has left much to be desired with multiple calls for him to be investigated.

That singular and crucial decision denied Yaw Preko’s charges a perfect penalty call and a potential equaliser against the Porcupine Warriors.

The non-intervention by the Assistant is also inexplicable given the proximity of the officials to the penalty incident.

Nsoatreman FC officials have told GHANAsoccernet.com that they will not report the conduct of the referee to the Ghana Football Association.

It’s a massive drawback for the match official, who was largely regarded as a good referee but appears that tag is eroding quick and fast amid his controversial decision to ignore the obvious penalty call – a decision which a kindergarten official won’t overlook.

In the clash staged at Len Clay Sports Stadium in Obuasi, an own goal handed Asante Kotoko a narrow 1-0 win at the end of the 90 minutes.

The win has catapulted Asante Kotoko to the second position on the Premier League and put them in a good position to challenge for the league title.

The victory has taken Asante Kotoko’s points tally for the season to eight after four matches and remain unbeaten.

With just one point behind leaders Medeama Sporting Club, Kotoko are considered huge title contenders in the 2024-25 Ghana Premier League season.

Coach Prosper Narteh Ogum and his lads will need to stay grounded and work hard to amass as many points as possible in the remaining matches to stand any chance of league success.

source: Ghana Soccernet