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31.08.2012 Editorial

EDITORIAL: Let's Save This Playoff!

By Daily Graphic
EDITORIAL: Let039;s Save This Playoff!
31.08.2012 LISTEN

We have been following with bated breath the tense struggle between Sekondi Hasaacas and Kumasi King Faisal in the Division One Zone 2 Middle League for promotion to the Premiership in the coming season.

We must admit that it is unfortunate that these two fine sides have to meet in a playoff for the eventual winner to proceed to the Premiership after both sides had tied on seven points at the end of the Middle League.

Doubtless, this state of affairs raises the stakes higher and makes the playoff for qualification appear a do-or-die affair.

The first playoff between the two sides last Wednesday having ended inconclusively, that is, with no winner emerging, the second playoff today is bound to be fought to the wire.

We can predict that today’s match cannot be devoid of the tense situation that characterised last Wednesday’s and, therefore, we will expect all appointed officials to up the ante.

Even though Referee J.A. Amenya looked flawless for most part of the game in the last playoff, just one moment of what appeared a wrong call resulted in pandemonium in the aftermath.

It was for the alertness of the security personnel on duty that Amenya and his assistants left the stadium unhurt despite being reportedly assailed by supporters of Faisal who felt cheated by the referee’s wrong call.

We need to draw the attention of the fans to the fact that the match officials are human and, therefore, liable to mistakes in the course of their duties.

When genuine mistakes occur, we expect supporters of the respective teams to treat them as such and not to take the law into their hands as to start any riots.

In similar breath, we must charge appointed officials to be dispassionate in their line of duty. They must give of their best and not give cause for suspicion of any influence whatsoever.

For fairness to prevail and the better side coming through at the end of the day, it is our contention that the field decides and not the other way round when results of matches are believed to have been decided in the boardroom.

Today’s playoff, we must repeat for the umpteenth time, should not go that road, which is why we expect that every effort be spared to save it.

For the avoidance of doubt, let the security consciousness at the stadium be raised notches higher so the lunatic fringe can be quickly apprehended in any eventuality.

This playoff must be saved willy-nilly!

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