The Accra Hearts of Oak suffered a double blow as they lost their home derby game at the Accra Sports Stadium to Accra Great Olympics.
The Hearts of Oak were outclassed in the First Capital Plus Ghana Premier League as they lost 2-0 against archrivals – Great Olympics.
Gladson Awako opened the scoring for the Ole Dade boys with a beautiful freekick in the 14th minute and just 3 minutes later, Samuel Ashie-Quaye made it 2 with a stunning volley from a cross by his brother, Ashie Quaye.
This was Great Olympics’ first win against Hearts since 2004! This result has taken Great Olympics into 4th place, tied on points with 3rd placed WAFA. They have gone 2 points clear of Hearts of Oak with this result who now sit in 8th place after 11 games.
After a night to forget for the Hearts of Oak, things went from bad to worse for the side as the Ghana FA decided to ban the club from playing in front of their fans for breach of COVID-19 safety protocols.
This decision was taken by the Ghana Football Association Disciplinary Committee who released the following on its official website.
“In a letter sent to the club, the GFA has informed Hearts of Oak that till the Disciplinary Committee determines their case, all home matches of the Club will be played behind closed doors.
The GFA has also decided that only Ten (10) Management Members of Accra Hearts of Oak SC will be allowed at the stadium and Ten (10) Management Members for Away clubs during matches at Accra Sports Stadium.
Below are the decisions taken by the GFA on Accra Hearts of Oak:
1. The GFA condemns, without any reservations, the violations of the GFA Matchday Protocols that took place at the Accra Sports Stadium, despite the plans put in place.
2. That Accra Hearts of Oak SC, the home club, is immediately referred to the Disciplinary Committee concerning the breaches of the provisions of the approved GFA Matchday Protocols. The Disciplinary Committee has been tasked to sit on this matter expeditiously.
3. That until the case is fully determined, Accra Hearts of Oak SC shall play their Home matches behind Closed Doors at the Accra Sports Stadium.
4. That in playing behind Closed Doors at the Accra Sports Stadium, only Ten (10) Management Members of Accra Hearts of Oak SC will be allowed at the stadium and Ten (10) Management Members for Away clubs. Only Ten (10) media persons shall be allowed (to be accredited by the GFA).
Thirty persons shall sit at the upper VIPP and hence no other stand shall have any persons in attendance.
5. That further actions may be taken should there be any further violations of the GFA Matchday Protocols.
6. That all other clubs are to take note and comply strictly with the GFA Matchday Protocols.
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 Matchday Protocols.
The GFA wishes to assure all Ghanaians that the Association will 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.
The Association will continue its engagements with all relevant stakeholders for the safety of all.”
Currently, all clubs are allowed to host 25% of the total capacity for fans to make sure that it is in line with the social distancing and safety protocols in the country.
It was a weekend to forget for the Phobians who will look to get back to form and potentially challenge for the top spot in the Ghana Premier League.
