Okrah apologises for headbutting referee
Bechem United striker, Augustine Okrah, has rendered an unqualified apology to the management, players and supporters of the club for what he described as a “shameful behaviour” during the MTN FA Cup final against Hearts of Oak at the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi last Sunday.
He also pleaded with his parents and the chiefs and people of the Bono and Ahafo regions to pardon him for that unfortunate incident that cost them the MTN FA Cup.
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During the tension-packed match, Bechem United who were determined to win their second FA Cup in six years, suffered a setback following the expulsion of Okrah for head-butting assistant referee one, Stephen Belanguena. Referee Latif Adaari did not hesitate to show him the red card.
Expulsion
Okrah’s second half expulsion, which came at a time the two teams were tied at 1-1, really affected Bechem United, leading to their 1-2 defeat to Hearts.
“The incident happened out of the blue and I have regretted so much. I have thought about it since Sunday and feel so bad. I don’t know how it happened because since I started playing football I have never behaved in such a shameful manner,” he bemoaned in an interview with the Daily Graphic.
“Last Sunday’s match was very important for the team and I was so determined to help win the FA Cup not only for the club but also for my family, fans and the community. Unfortunately, things did not go the way we wanted due to my negative act against the referee.”
“The players regard me as a leader and a key influencer but I let them down so much, hence my apology to the management, playing body and fans in general,” he explained.
Okrah was of the view that if he had not lost his temper but focused on the match, Bechem United would have equalised and beat Hearts to win the trophy as planned.
“This is why I am rendering an apology to everyone, including the assistant referee and the players who regard me as a role model and depend on me to lead them to victory.
Disappointment
“For my parents who were expecting so much from me, I disappointed them last Sunday. They have been wondering why I did it, considering that I have never behaved in such a manner either at home or outside before.”
“They were also expecting me to help the team to bring the cup to Bechem, just like everybody else. But I did not end the match in a good manner, so I also want to apologise to my parents for my action,” he revealed.
Okrah implored his colleague footballers never to behave in the way he did, explaining that beside its negative implications, it could also deprive teams to win important trophies as happened to Bechem United last Sunday.