Ex-Hearts of Oak management member defends referee after Kotoko penalty controversy

Former Hearts of Oak management member Aziz Haruna Futa has weighed in on the contentious penalty that decided Asante Kotoko’s 1-0 win over Hearts of Oak in the first Super Clash of the 2025/26 Ghana Premier League season.Speaking on Sporty FM, Futa described the decision as justified, saying, "It was a penalty for Kotoko, though a soft one. Unfortunately, we don’t have VAR, but referee Reginald Collins Amoah was close to the action and had a better view."The pivotal moment came just before halftime when Amoah awarded Kotoko a penalty after judging a challenge by Hearts’ Amankwah Baafi on Peter Amidu Acquah inside the box.Guinean forward Morifing Donzo converted from the spot, giving the Porcupine Warriors the lead. Hearts responded immediately after the restart, creating several chances, including a long-range effort from Raphael Amponsah and a blocked pass that could have set up Hamza Issah.Amoah again played a decisive role in stoppage time, ruling out a spectacular Mawuli Wayo goal for offside. The result moves Kotoko to seventh in the table, while Hearts remain fifth.