Asante Kotoko have criticized the choice of referee Yaw Ametepey for their super clash game against Hearts on Sunday, claiming their rivals influenced the selection of the centre man.
The Porcupine Warriors are unhappy with the appointment of the referee whom they accuse of holding secret meetings with top officials of Hearts in the lead up to the crunch tie.
The record league title-holders are protesting against the choice of Ametepey, insisting they are unsure about his neutrality.
“This is a match of our lives. Several meetings have been held behind closed doors to ensure we go down but we’ll not allow that to happen,” the club’s Accra representative Edmund Ackah claimed on Kumasi-based Nhyira FM.
“Ametepey was the centre referee for Liberty versus WAFA game in Dansoman just this Sunday.
“Now the same referee, you are flying him by air to Accra. What kind of meeting took place whilst he was in Accra. Throughout his coaching career, when did he fly by air to officiate a match before?
“Two names were sent to the FA but Hearts settled on Ametepey and that’s how come he was chosen. We are only asking for fairness in all this. We are not afraid but Hearts will not dictate which referee is selected to officiate in the match.”
The two teams are desperate for the maximum points following a poor campaign this season.
While the Porcupine Warriors are lying at a disappointing 11th position, their opponent are trapped in the relegation zone on 14th position.