RULING OF THE WESTERN REGIONAL FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION (WRFA) DISCIPLINARY COMMITTEE ON 20TH MAY, 2024 AT THE WRFA OFFICE, SEKONDI
CASE: 20
MATCH: DOLPHINS FC VRS BIS PARADISE SC
DATE: 29TH MARCH 2024
VENUE: ADIEMBRA ASTRO PARK
MEMBERS PRESENT
CONSTANTINE K. M. KUDZEDZI, ESQ ​​​​CHAIRMAN
PETER KOJO BAIDOO, ESQ ​​​​​VICE CHAIRMAN

BRIEF FACTS
The Committee investigated why the match came to an abrupt end.

EVIDENCE
The match between Dolphins FC and Bis Paradise SC played on the 29th March 2024 came to an abrupt end. Per the records available, both teams failed to lodge a protest with the WRFA in accordance with the Regional Football Association League Regulations, 2021(hereinafter called “the Regulations”).
The Committee examined the Referee’s Report and the Match Commissioner’s Report in its investigations.

ANALYSIS OF EVIDENCE
In his report, the referee for the match David Parker stated that in the 90+1 minute of the match, Bis Paradise SC scored their second goal and two officials of Dolphins FC by names Solomon Tetteh (Team Manager) and Daniel Anderson (Physiotherapist) rushed onto the field of play towards the direction of the Assistant Referee II (Francis Ankrah). Solomon Tetteh in a confrontational manner was seen exchanging words with Francis Ankrah (Assistant Referee II) claiming that the second goal was an offside. He stated that suddenly Daniel Anderson from Dolphins FC head butted Francis Ankrah who fell on the ground and went unconscious for about five (5) minutes. He added that Francis Ankrah (Assistant Referee II) was resuscitated by Solomon Tetteh and was quickly sent to Effia-Nkwanta Regional Hospital for further treatment which eventually resulted in the abandonment of the match.
Furthermore, the Committee noted that the Match Commissioner, Thomas K. Anowie corroborated the above fact in his report that the match was abandoned because of the invasion of the field and the assault on ARII by the officials of Dolphins FC.
In furtherance to the above, The Adiembra police issued Francis Ankrah with a medical form dated 29th March 2024 and per the medical report by Dr. Isaac K. E. Appiah of Effia-Nkwanta Regional Hospital Sekondi, Francis Ankrah had a minor laceration on the right side of his upper lip which was actually bleeding as a result of the headbutt and that he has to also do a formal head scan for review treatment.

FINDINGS

6. The pitch was invaded by Solomon Tetteh and Daniel Anderson.
7. The Assistant Referee II, Francis Ankrah was assaulted by Daniel Anderson.
8. Bis Paradise FC failed to file a protest against Dolphins FC contrary to Article 33(6) of the Regulations for the award of points.

DECISION

The Committee holds Dolphins FC responsible for the abrupt end of the match contrary to Articles 33(1)(b) and 34(1)(a) of the Regulations.

SANCTIONS

7. Per Article 33(1)(b) of the Regulations, Dolphins FC shall forfeit the match.
8. In line with Article 33(11) of the Regulations, Dolphins FC is considered as having lost the match.
9. Further, in accordance with Article 33(5)(a) of the Regulations, Dolphins FC shall lose three (3) points from the accumulated points.
10. Also, per Article 33(5) (b) of the Regulations, Dolphins FC shall pay a fine of One Thousand Ghana Cedis (GH¢1000.00), 50% of which shall go to Bis Paradise SC.
11. Further, per Article 34(1) (a) of the Regulations, Solomon Tetteh and Daniel Anderson shall pay a fine of One Thousand Ghana Cedis (GH¢1000.00) each for attacking an official and invading the pitch.
12. Again, Dolphins FC shall pay all medical expenses incurred by Francis Ankrah within seven days of receipts of this ruling as provided for by the Western Regional Football Association’s Administration Instructions governing the conduct of the Second Division League and also any further medical expenses that may arise as a result of the assault.
13. In addition, in line with Article 34(1) (a), Daniel Anderson shall be banned from attending matches played under the jurisdiction of the WRFA and/or GFA for a period of two (2) years.
14. For the avoidance of doubt all fines shall be paid within Fourteen (14) days of receipt of this ruling as provided for by the Western Regional Football Association’s Administration Instructions governing the conduct of the Second Division League.

DATED AT WRFA OFFICES, SEKONDI THIS 20TH MAY, 2024.

CONSTANTINE K. M. KUDZEDZI, ESQ
(CHAIRMAN)