RespectTheReferee: Referees shouldn’t move to the pitch if security requirements are not met – GFA

Head of Communications at the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Henry Asante Twum has charged referees to refuse to officiate matches if security requirements discussed at pre-match conferences are not met.

According to him, match venues and the type of Game determines the number of security personnel to be deployed on any game day, and if that is not met, then referees should put their safety first.

Henry admitted that referees also have a role to play when it comes to their safety, and adhering to such policies put in place by the GFA should be regarded to the later.

“Referees must insist that that the number of policemen at the pitch are exact. If it was agreed for 15 policemen to be at the match venue, then the referee shouldn’t even leave the dressing room if a few minutes to the game the security personnel present are not up to the required number”, he said.

With match commissioners and referees insisting on the right things and demanding their due, Henry believes violence agaisnt referees will be minimized.

Speaking via phone at the launch of Happy98.9FM’s #RespectTheReferee Campaign, he advised referees to report every single threat they receive on the field.

What is RespectTheReferee Campaign?

The Respect the Referee program is an educational and advocacy campaign to educate the fans and public on the laws of the game.

Its main target is to educate the public on the need to desist from assaulting referees during and after games.

By: Joel Sanco