“I am now ashamed of myself” – Augustine Okrah apologizes for headbutting a referee

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Augustine Okrah, a forward for Bechem United, has apologized in full for headbutting an assistant referee, Stephen Balanguena, during the MTN FA Cup final between his team and Accra Hearts of Oak on Sunday, June 26.
In a statement released on June 27, the player said he was sorry for his unethical actions and that he was ashamed of himself for his actions on the field of play at the just-ended FA Cup finals.

He also took the chance to ask Bechem United’s management, fans, and teammates to forgive him for any harm he may have caused them with his actions.

“I tender an unconditional apology for the unethical behavior that caused my early exit from the FA Cup final between Hearts of Oak and Bechem United at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium on Sunday.

“I am extremely sorry and remorseful for the harm this have caused including hurting sentiments. I am ashamed of myself for having behaved in such a manner,” part of the statement read.

“To Mr. Kingsley Owusu Achau, The Patrons, The Management, My Indefatigable teammates, The Entire fans (Hunters), Friends of Bechem United, The good people of Ahafo Region and the entire sporting fraternity, please forgive me this one last time. I am sorry for my behaviour and apologize from the core of my heart” the statement concluded.

In the 68th minute of the much-anticipated FA Cup finals, Augustine Okrah was given a red card after a throw-in that he thought should have gone his way was called against him instead.

At that point, Bechem was already down 2-1, and the former Asante Kotoko player, who had been playing well before the incident, lost his temper and headbutted the assistant referee Balanguena after yelling at him about the call.

Many people said that Okrah was to blame for the 2-1 loss by the Hunters. Others criticized the winger and said that he should be punished because what he did was wrong.