The controversial referee has been commended for his good understanding of th laws of the game despite a protest by Gold Stars
Ghana Premier League referee Maxwell Hanson has been praised by Ghana Football Association’s match review panel following his good performance in the game between debutants Gold Stars and Asante Kotoko on matchday three at the Dun’s Park in Bibiani.
In the first half, Gold Stars players vehemently protested for a penalty after the ball hit one of Kotoko defender’s hand. However, Hanson was adamant to their claims and it insisted that ball came off the player’s body before finally landing on his hand.
A goal from youngster Isaac Oppong later won the day for Kotoko as they extended their winning streak to three while Gold Stars suffered their first home defeat in the top-flight and first in all competitions after two years.
Although, Gold Stars’ top hierarchy felt cheated and lodged a complain to the match review panel, Hanson has rather been commended for perfectly applying the laws of the game.
“Per the video watched by the Panel, the game was well managed in all aspects.
In the first half the referee made a great decision when the ball hit the leg of the player and bounce off the player’s hand. The referee took the right decision in awarding a
corner kick. Per the Laws of the Game, it was not a penalty,” a GFA state read.
“The referee again exhibited a high level of football understanding which resulted in a good goal scored when everybody watching the match would have thought he should
have immediately call for a penalty.
“Referee Maxwell Hanson is commended for his football understanding to allow various
phase of the game to unfold which provided the opportunity to the attacking team to make use of the options opened to them,” the statement added.
