GPL: Kotoko coach handed last two matches ban

Asante Kotoko head coach, Mariano Barreto, will not be on the touchline for any Ghana Premier League game again this season after he was slapped with a two-game ban for misconduct.

The Disciplinary Committee ruling, which was released yesterday, 6th July, 2021, found Barreto guilty of violating the GFA Disciplinary Code for making disparaging remarks about referees following their game against Legon Cities.

Barreto has also been fined Ghs 5,000 for his infraction.

With two games to the end of the Ghana Premier League season, Barreto’s campaign is practically over as he will not be able to coach again before the end of the 2020/2021 season.

Kotoko next play Elmina Sharks this weekend before finishing the season at Bechem United a week later.

Background

The Portuguese manager was charged by the Disciplinary Committee for his post match comments after his side played Legon Cities in Accra in the Ghana Premier League on Match Day 22, a game his Kotoko won 1-0.

The Kotoko gaffer  was charged on two counts of misconduct for claiming his side played 11 against 15 in the game with Legon Cities and also for verbally abusing the match officials without just cause.

Barreto responded to the charges but the Disciplinary Committee said his defense was “unconvincing” and slapped him with the ban and a fine.

He has also been warned that “any future misconduct shall receive a more severe punishment.”