Hearts ban reduced

The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has upheld an appeal by Accra Hearts of Oak to its appelate body and consequently mitigated the sanctions it imposed on the Phobians for the rowdy conduct of their fans in their Premier League encounter with Wa All Stars.

The Phobians, who were initially charged by the Disciplinary Committee of the GFA an ordered to play three of their homes behind closed doors, will now play two matches away from home at venues to be decided by the Premier League Board.

The games will be opened to their fans.

According to the report by the Appeals Committee sighted by the Graphic Sports the GH¢12,000 fine imposed on the Phobians for persistent throwing of plastic bottles on the pitch in consonance with Article 35 of the GFA has subsequently been increased to GH¢15,000.

Besides, two of their officials, Kwame Opare Addo, a Public Relations Officer, and Barima Atuahene, a board member who were banned for two years for inciting and intimidating the match officials, have had their two year ban reduced to three months.  

The sanctions were imposed by Cosmos Anpengnuo-chaired Disciplinary Committee which charged the Phobians on three  counts of misconduct after their Ghana Premier League match against Wa All Stars played at the Accra Stadium on April 3, 2016.

Subsequently, Hearts led by their legal counsel, Emmanuel Avenorgbor filed an appeal and stay of execution.