For those of us who grew up watching and loving the continental club masters, Accra Hearts of Oak, we know how much of a treasure Bernard “Dada” Don Bortey is to the club, Hearts of Oak.
He was an integral part of the African Champions League winning team together with Emmanuel Osei Kuffour, Ishmael Addo and Charles Taylor.
Amongst the names mentioned, it is only Charles Taylor who played for both Accra Hearts of Oak and their bitterest rivals, Kumasi Asante Kotoko.
Bernard “Dada” Don Bortey had been a legend of the club until last Sunday when he lost that status due to an “unwarranted” action he took.
Kumasi Asante Kotoko have won the Ghana Premier League 2021/2022 title with 2 games to spare. Hence, they were due to receive their title cup after their game with relegation side Elmina Sharks which they duly won by three (3) unanswered goals.
And as they would traditionally do, Kumasi Asante Kotoko lined up their club legends as a way of thanking them for where they have brought the club to all these years. And out of the blues, a certain Accra Hearts of Oak legend, Bernard “Dada” Don Bortey also lined up and was introduced. He went as far as raising high the flag of Asante Kotoko.
It’s true that Kotoko have snatched the title from Accra Hearts of Oak who won it last season. But that was definitely not the to go.
Bernard “Dada” Don Bortey stood so low and has insulted the legacy of Hearts of Oak. In fact, he just trampled on his status as a legend of the club.
Will a legend of Kotoko ever mount a phobia platform when they are victorious in a competition where the two teams are contesting for? Never.
No Kotoko legend will go that low to disrespect his former club in such manner. But Bernard “Dada” Don Bortey had the “guts” to do so.
Can you ever imagine Barcelona legend Lionel Messi mounting a Real Madrid stage to celebrate their La Liga title success or Champions League cup victory? Or have you ever thought that Cristiano Ronaldo will come to the Camp Nou and celebrate their victory over Real Madrid in a competition?
And after that act, he was on radio defending his distasteful act with some flimsy reasons.
Let me state emphatically that irrespective of whatever reason you feel you have, it does not warrant such form of disrespect to the same club that made you who you are today.
It’s because of Accra Hearts of Oak that everyone in Ghana knows the name, Bernard “Dada” Don Bortey. Hence, he had no business lining up with legends of Kotoko before their coronation match at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium.
In summary, Bernard Don Bortey just insulted the whole Accra Hearts of Oak fraternity, the legacy, the fans and his history with them; and sees absolutely nothing wrong with it.
It’s a pity that he did that and I stand to condemn his act outright.