Hearts of Oak goalkeeper Richmond Ayi has come under severe criticism on social media after showing up for their game against Karela United with his face covered in white powder.
The unusual look has raised eyebrows with some attributing it to black magic, also known as “Juju”. However, it is unknown why the goalkeeper made the decision to cover his face in powder.
Despite Ayi’s controversial appearance, Hearts of Oak were unable to secure a victory against Karela United. The struggling Karela side produced a dominant performance, clinching a 3-0 win over the Phobians at CAM Park in Aiyinase.
Emmanuel Boakye Owusu opened the scoring in the 17th minute, followed by an own goal from defender Konadu Yiadom which extended Karela United’s lead. Richard Berko sealed the win with an 87th-minute goal.
The defeat leaves Hearts of Oak with the possibility of slipping out of the relegation zone and being seven points adrift of the top spot after the end of matchday 23.
While it is unclear why Ayi decided to cover his face with white powder, his decision has been heavily criticized on social media, with many describing it as backward and unacceptable in modern football.
See some tweets below
Richmond Ayi 🤝Patrick Razak pic.twitter.com/63fvGlGohj
— Yaw Ampofo Jr (@Yaw_Ampofo_) March 25, 2023
This is disgusting and unprofessional. This must be condemned by all.. https://t.co/hskFDaYf2F
— #MR. HEARTS 🌈 🌈 🌈 🌈 (@bartimeusodei) March 25, 2023
Came out looking like God of War and still conceded 3. Instead of training, he be eating 4balls of kenkey expecting the mallam to do it for him now Karela has done it for him rather 😂😭 https://t.co/K7SAWYT7VF
— AFC Pius🇬🇭🆓 (@PAbaane) March 25, 2023
He get chicken pox or what..? 😂😂😂 https://t.co/09H32Jqxbh
— ABØCHIE 👑🧘🏾♂️ (@abochie_) March 25, 2023
This’s one of many reasons that makes many hold the local league in low esteem. A game on TV should be free from such ridicule. No corporate entity that takes its branding seriously would wna be associated with this chicken pox madness. @GhanaLeague, you have a duty to stop this! https://t.co/QdsDSjdih4
— 𝚄𝚗𝚊𝚙𝚘𝚕𝚘𝚐𝚎𝚝𝚒𝚌 𝙽𝚒𝚌𝚔©✍🏿 (@domynych) March 25, 2023
