Retired Ghanaian referee Eric Owusu Mensah noted that Daniel Laryea, the Ghanaian referee who officiated the Morocco and Nigeria semi-final game, is appreciable.
He noted that while the referee may not have made entirely perfect decisions, he endeavoured to ensure the game’s conclusion was smooth despite the discontent voiced by Nigerian fans following their loss to the host nation in the penalty shootout of the ongoing African Cup of Nations.
He believes Daniel Laryea did his best in the game and must be appreciated for that.
Speaking in an interview on Rainbow Sports, he told host Andrews Kwabena Gyasi that “he is human and will certainly not have everything perfect, but he did his best. There may be one or two things I disagree with him on, but he did well. There were no controversial decisions during the game. He did well, and Ghanaians must appreciate him for that.”
He also ruled out suggestions that Daniel Laryea allowed his Ghanaian rationality to influence his officiating.
“We should be commending him for what he has done and not unfairly criticising him. He was firm and fair, and we should thank God for his life. He was not the reason why any team lost,” he indicated. Eric Owusu Mensah said CAF’s decision to settle on him as the referee for the game was spot on, and he distinguished himself.”
He added that teams in any game ought to learn the rudiments of the game because if you fail to do so, nothing the referee does will please you.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana