Bashir Hayford, head coach of Kpando Heart of Lions, has been handed a five-match suspension by the Ghana Football Association’s Disciplinary Committee following an incident of unsporting behavior during his team’s game against Karela United. In addition to the ban, Hayford has been fined GHC 5,000.
The disciplinary panel found Hayford guilty of verbally abusing match officials during the Match Day 7 fixture between Heart of Lions and Karela United, which took place at the Aliu Mahama Sports Stadium.
A statement from the Disciplinary Committee outlined the decision: “Bashir Hayford has been banned for five matches for unsporting behavior towards match officials during the Match Day 7 Ghana Premier League game between Karela United and Heart of Lions. He was found guilty of verbally abusing the match officials during the said game. Hayford has also been fined GHC 5,000 and has received a warning that any further misconduct will result in more severe sanctions.”
In response to the decision, Hayford expressed surprise and dissatisfaction with the process. He claimed that he was not given a fair hearing and questioned whether the decision was based solely on the referee’s report, or if video evidence was also considered.
“Receiving this ban and fine is surprising, as I was never called for arbitration. This decision feels like an attack on my integrity. Was this judgment solely based on the referee’s report, or is there actual video evidence of me verbally abusing match officials?” Hayford said in an interview with Oyerepa FM.
As a result of the suspension, Hayford will miss Heart of Lions’ next five matches in the Ghana Premier League. These include games against Berekum Chelsea on November 10, Accra Lions on November 15, Legon Cities on November 22, FC Samartex on December 13, and Holy Stars on December 20.
