Minister calls for calm over AWOL Essien, Muntari & Gyan

Pelpuo says the trio must be a chance

The Minister of Youth and Sports, Mr Rashid Pelpuo has beseeched the sporting populace to exercise restraint regarding the three key Black Stars players who took 'french leave', hours to the team's departure for the Ghana-Angola international friendly in Angola.

 
According to the Sports Minister, the trio of Chelsea's Michael Essien, Sulley Muntari of Inter Milan and Rennes' forward Asamoah Gyan, should be given the opportunity to explain why the went AWOL (Away Without Leave). 

“We shouldn't castigate them, at least for now. We should give them the opportunity to explain why they failed to answer to the national call, said Hon Pelpuo, at a function at the Ohene Djan Stadium on Tuesday. 

“I'm not condoning indiscipline, but if they come out to show remorse for their actions, then I think they should be forgiven, but first, I want to see them show remorse,” added the soft-spoken Minister. 

He pointed out that the timing for the “crucifixion” of the trio is bad, taking into account the proximity of the African Cup of Nations, where their absence would be largely felt, if they should be sacked as advocated by some Ghanaians. 

The three foreign-based players took absented themselves from the Ghana-Angola friendly game which left Black Stars trainer Milovan Rajevac with limited options in a game that ended in a 0-0 stalemate. 

Their absence generated a public outcry, with some calling for the head of the absentee players. But the Ghana Football governing body, GFA, has given the players some time to explain their action. 

Meanwhile, two of the “culprits,” Gyan and Essien have rendered their apologies about the incident.