The Black Stars were robbed by the referee, says Ghana's press

Jun 28, 2006, 10:38 GMT

Accra - Ghanaian fans and newspapers were unanimous Wednesday that the Black Stars were robbed by Slovak referee Lubos Michel in their 3-0 defeat by Brazil that knocked them out of the World Cup.

They are also unanimous that the debutants were not disgraced at exiting to the five-times champions.

'Ghana robbed at World Cup,' screamed the state-owned Ghanaian Times. 'Fair play kicked to touch in blatant display of biased officiating,' it said in its lead story.

The Graphic, Ghana's biggest-selling newspaper, said 'Bravo Stars! You're out but not disgraced.' It also had a picture of the Slovak referee on the front page.

The Accra Daily Mail headline said 'Gallant exit' while the Statesman said 'Gallant Stars crash out after outplaying Brazil.'

The Graphic, in an editorial headed 'Well done Stars,' said the side were robbed. Despite their determination, the lack of scoring power conspired with the Slovak referee.

'We do not doubt that the Brazilian team is an illustrious one, but the uncomfortable truth that the world must accept is that even in defeat, the Black Stars were no disgraced,' it said.

'It could be said that they did their best, except that it was not good enough to undo the vicious officiating from referee Michel and his assistants.'

For Ghana, the lessons from a first appearance at the World Cup should be that, with some polishing, the Black Stars would bring the cup home another time. But the scoring ability must be sharpened.

Ghanaians should also learn to have patience, the newspaper said, citing cries for the head of their Serbian coach Ratomir Djukovics after the disastrous African Cup of Nations last January.

The paper said the performance of the team and the national support they had must also serve as a platform for national unity.

Many disappointed fans were meanwhile still sporting the national colours, flags, hats, jerseys and other paraphernalia.

Minister of Information and National Orientation Kwamena Bartels said a heroes' welcome awaited the team on Friday.