Aduana FC CEO Collins Atta Poku has revealed the “hostile” relationship between players and referees as a major challenge in Ghana football.
According to the former sports journalist, referees struggle to effectively communicate with players and often face verbal abuse.
“They [referees] are unable to express themselves well to the players on the pitch. So it’s always hostile,’ he told Luv FM.
“The relationship between players on the pitch and the referees is always hostile. Players have this mentality the referee is cheating them. Even if the referee is doing the right thing, he’s cheating me.
“So the referees are also like they’ve had enough of these players verbally abusing them on the pitch and all that. “
He admonished the referees to foster healthy relationships with the players to reduce disputes and assaults.
“Explain to these boys, communicate with them. When they get injured, be the first to be on the spot. The first thing you say is, calm down. You’ll be fine. I’ve called them [medics] to come.”
“Whilst you are there, say sweet things to these boys. They are in pain. I tell those who are my friends that, aid these boys when they are playing.”