Ghanaian referee Yaw Ametepey defends controversial penalty decision against Kotoko in Hearts derby win

Ghanaian referee Yaw Ametepey has defended his controversial penalty decision against Kotoko during the side’s 2-1 win over Hearts.

The centre referee has come under line of fire for awarding what looked like a dubious penalty against the Porcupine Warriors.

Television replays defender Abeiku Ainooson made minimal contact with Eric Kumi inside the penalty which led to a spot-kick being awarded but was subsequently spurned by captain Robin Ggnane.

The decision infuriated fans of the visitors who threw bottles targeted at the match official at the Accra sports stadium.

But referee Yaw Ametepey has parried the criticism, insisting he took the right decision.

“It’s was my discretion and I believe I was right in awarding the penalty against Kotoko,” he said

“Everybody saw it on TV. The player had an advantage to score and he was blocked in his track.

“What do you expect any referee to do in that situation? I don’t think it was a bad call. In my mind, I took the right decision and I’m glad about my performance.

“Many people have hailed my performance and I will be attending church on Sunday to give thanks to God.”

Kotoko officials had protested the choice of the Volta Regional-based referee for the game claiming they could not guarantee his neutrality.