Ghana Premier League: Hearts of Oak apologise over Gazale incident
7th January 2026
Accra Hearts of Oak have issued a formal apology to the Ghana Football Association (GFA) and the wider football community following the conduct of their assistant coach, Abdulai Gazale, during their recent league match against Medeama SC.
In a club statement released on 6 January 2026, the Phobians said they regretted the incident and took responsibility for Gazale’s behaviour, describing it as inconsistent with the club’s values and traditions.
“Accra Hearts of Oak Sporting Club wishes to formally apologise to the GFA, match officials, Medeama SC, our supporters, and the wider football community for the conduct of our assistant coach,” the statement said.
The club stressed that it “unequivocally condemns all forms of unsporting behaviour in football”, adding that such actions have no place in the game and do not reflect the standards Hearts of Oak stand for.
While offering the apology, Hearts of Oak also called on the GFA to review the conduct and deployment of security personnel and ball retrievers at match venues, noting that their roles are crucial to the smooth and safe running of games.
“Their roles are critical at match venues, and they must remain neutral and professional at all times to avoid actions that may escalate tension or disrupt play,” the statement added.
Hearts of Oak reiterated their respect for the GFA, match officials, opponents and supporters, and confirmed their readiness to cooperate fully with the football authorities to address the matter and strengthen match-day protocols going forward.
The club concluded by reaffirming its commitment to fair play, mutual respect and the integrity of the game, promising to take the necessary steps to ensure that players and technical staff uphold these principles at all times.
Read full statement below