Accra Hearts of Oak lost 3-1 to Asante Kotoko in the 2017 MTN FA cup final at the Aliu Mahama Sports Stadium in Tamale.
Striker Saddick Adams’ hat trick lifted the trophy for the porcupine warriors.
Former Hearts of Oak captain Thomas Abbey, recently in an interview, said the phobians lost the game from Accra because they had not received their three months salaries. Also, the club was owing the playing body seven matches winning bonuses.
He claims the players were hungry before the game hence the defeat which denied them the opportunity to compete in the Caf Confederation Cup.
However, the hat trick hero who singlehandedly won the trophy for Asante Kotoko has advised Abbey to accept the defeat in good faith and desist from the blame games.
“Our quality in 2017 was incomparable to any club in Ghana. I do accept the fact that some Hearts players were returning from national team call-up but we were better than them. Also, we were confident of winning the trophy and we did.
“Why should you accept to play football if you knew the club is owing you and you were hungry? Whatever decision you take to boycott the match can force the club to pay you so why decided to play.
“You kept quiet, played the match and lost, why you are now crying about the issue. Not even your own supporters will believe you and they won’t be at fault if they question your professionalism and loyalty for their club” Saddick Adams told Angel sports.
He ended that if it was him, he would have boycott the game in case it was Asante Kotoko owing the players before such final. Players shouldn’t be tagged as arrogant when they demand their right in such circumstances.
Vincent Owusu Twitter: @bonty999