Hearts of Oak Players Were Paid Before MTN FA Cup Final Against Asante Kotoko - Vincent Atinga

Former Hearts of Oak defender, Vincent Atingah has slammed former teammate, Thomas Abbey for claiming the players were not paid before their MTN FA Cup final.

Abbey, a former skipper of the club on Thursday, said the cause of Hearts of Oak’s 3-1 defeat to bitterest rivals Asante Kotoko in the 2017 FA Cup final.

The midfielder claimed during an interview that the entire playing body had gone three months without salary and seven-match winning bonuses were also in arrears prior to the final.

But his claims have been refuted by Atinga who was a pillar in defence in the crucial game.

The lanky central defender mentioned that defeats happen in football but money issues had nothing to do with their loss against Asante Kotoko at the Aliu Mahama Sports Stadium.

“Yes, we had some bonuses unpaid but days before the final match our monies was settled in a rightful manner,” Atingah said.

“We got paid after our last league match against Inter Allies before that very final match encounter.

“Everybody knows about the rivalry between the two clubs and we won’t let money distract our shine on that very day.

“We were eager to win that final match but luck was not on our side which leads to our awful 3-1 defeat against Kotoko.

“After the final whistle, we were all in total darkness because we’ve to lead the rainbow family down on neutral grounds.

Vincent Atingah currently plays in Kuwaiti top-flight league with Al-Shabab SC.