The debate surrounding Accra Hearts of Oak’s disallowed goal against Asante Kotoko in the Super Clash has become a controversial topic.
Asante Kotoko won the game 1–0 after striker Morifing Donzo converted a first-half penalty.
Accra Hearts of Oak, who were slightly the better side in the second half thought they had secured an equaliser in the 90th minute through Mawuli Wayo but their celebrations were cut short by the referee.
Wayo’s goal was ruled out for offside by referee Reginald Collins Amoah, a decision that drew heavy criticisms from Hearts of Oak supporters at the stadium.
After a careful review of the incident on the replay, the goal would have been awarded if referee Reginald Amoah had VAR assistance.
‘We were robbed’ – Hearts of Oak supporters cry foul over Kotoko defeat
The replay shows that the Kotoko player in the green jersey got the final touch on the ball with a header.
The ball bounced back to Wayo, who had previously separated himself from the Kotoko defenders. He quickly reacted and slotted it into the net.
The assistant referee, who had earlier seen Wayo in an offside position, did not take into account which player had the last touch on the ball and quickly raised his flag for an offside, a decision the center referee upheld.
According to the International Football Association Board (IFAB), the laws of the game state: “Gaining an advantage: Gaining the ball or interfering with an opponent when the ball has rebounded or been deflected off the goalpost, crossbar, or an opponent, or when the ball has been deliberately saved by an opponent.”
However, the referee likely would have overturned his decision to disallow Hearts of Oak’s goal if VAR had been available at the stadium.
Olivier Giroud’s Goal Comparison
This incident is similar to what happened in 2021 during Chelsea’s 1-0 win over Atletico Madrid at the Metropolitano Stadium in Spain when Olivier Giroud scored a spectacular overhead kick.
The ball flicked off Mario Hermoso’s foot, and Giroud sprang into action to find the bottom corner in the 68th minute.
The goal was initially ruled out for an offside but after a lengthy VAR review lasting almost three minutes, the goal was awarded.
Former referee Walton explained the decision: “The VAR was deliberating whether the pass from the defender was a deliberate play on the ball or a deflection. If it was a deflection, then Giroud would still have been offside. But they agreed it was a deliberate play on the ball, which played Giroud onside.”
With this in mind, it is worth noting that the referees in the Kotoko vs Hearts of Oak game cannot be accused of cheating or fixing the match in favor of the Porcupines as there was no VAR available for a review, unlike in the Atletico Madrid vs Chelsea match in 2021.
Watch the video below:
SB/JE
Meanwhile, watch feature about Swedru All Blacks journey from Divison One to the GPL below
