Hearts of Oak goalkeeper Richard Attah is facing a significant online backlash for his appearance with critics focusing on his perceived overweight status.
The scrutiny comes in the aftermath of Hearts of Oak’s 3-2 defeat to Asante Kotoko on Sunday in the ongoing Ghana Premier League.
Despite Linda Mtange giving the Phobians an initial lead, Isaac Oppong’s sand a brace from Steven Mukwala secured the victory for the Porcupine Warriors. The match, marked by a possible officiating error and goalkeeping mistakes, left Hearts of Oak unable to make a comeback, despite a late consolation goal by Martin Karikari.
After the final whistle, Hearts of Oak’s goalkeeper Richmond Ayi was visibly distraught, and Attah, who was on the bench, joined the club’s Communications Director Kwame Opare Addo in consoling him. However, the focus quickly shifted to Attah’s physical appearance, contrasting it with his previous look from a couple of years ago.
RICHMOND AYI WEEPS!
The Accra Hearts of Oak goalkeeper was consoled by Richard Attah after being involved in two errors leading to goals vs Asante Kotoko.
🎥 @delaliphrank || #GTVSports pic.twitter.com/5BMBRRcar3
— GTV SPORTS+ (@mygtvsports) December 10, 2023
Richard Attah Richard Attah now..
2seasons ago
How do a renowned Club like Hearts of oak win with such keepers 🤦🤦🤦🌈🌈🌈💙❤️🧡💛💙❤️🧡💛😡😡😡 pic.twitter.com/r0kTtWyF06— PHOBIA BIRD 🌈🌈🌈🔥🌈🇬🇭 (@tlimz1) December 11, 2023
Observers noted a change in Attah’s physique, with an apparent protruding stomach and larger cheeks. This prompted a wave of criticism on social media, with some Ghanaians on Twitter questioning his fitness level and expressing surprise that a top-flight club would have a player with such a physique.
Hearts of Oak goalie Richard Attah must hit the gym immediately #PotBelly pic.twitter.com/7VoJT5DrMe
— Starboy Ntim 🇬🇭 (@skRankings) December 11, 2023
While Attah’s gesture of consoling his teammate was viewed as an act of sportsmanship and compassion, the attention turned toward body image critiques.
Eiii Richard Attah🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 https://t.co/IsiZBZDeGy
— ABJ AK-0000237 (@abjunior121) December 10, 2023
The Richard Attah guy his stomach that or he’s on retirement https://t.co/MdYkKOMqVw
— Mr. 5ive (@boahenakwasi) December 10, 2023
My goodness look at Richard attah belly ! Like seriously 😂
— DiE TrYing🌐🏴☠️ (@21_qualityy) December 10, 2023
I feel sad for Ayi, but wait, Atta has swallowed a whale anaa? 😭😭pic.twitter.com/vp6kWttE2k
— Kumawu ni ba Listowel (@Listo_Mens) December 10, 2023
But why is this goalkeeper having a big stomach. Sports guy sef this ei 🫢😂😂 pic.twitter.com/0UvT6pqbWV
— DY (@Dominic_Yeboah_) December 10, 2023
Ah Richard Attah paaa this. Hearts have fallen bad oo @HeartsOfOakGH you no be serious https://t.co/ovH0D58eQh
— D3ddy L J (@Jux_Larry) December 11, 2023
Ah the Richard Attah guy he doesn’t train or what? https://t.co/nabXGOGJ4r
— Nii Sowah Oblejuma (@okpotimajor) December 11, 2023
Is Richard Attah the goalkeepers trainer or reserve goalkeeper? Because he has putting in weight paaa https://t.co/D2aNw1mgm0
— Kweku Nyarko (@KwekuNyarko11) December 10, 2023
Ahh Richard Attah wey he make fat like that?? A professional goalkeeper? Ei https://t.co/Hb0yOY9cNz
— Kwabena (@manny_tk) December 10, 2023
See Richard Attah too ein potbelly bi.
Nyaho saf no get this kind potbelly. Na hearts no omo yɛ serious deɛ? 😂😂 https://t.co/9yf7oybt02— BestForYou🇬🇭🇳🇬 (@boblittle125) December 10, 2023
Seriously how is Richard Attah a professional footballer?
Don't they have any sanctions for being over weight at @AccraHeartsOak ?— Raphael Asare-Mensah (@asare_mensah) December 11, 2023
Eii Richard Attah in stomach that🙄 no wonder Ayi is dashing goals but still our no.1
— Omar 👑🙏🍀 (@TerkpeteyDugba1) December 11, 2023
ei Richard Attah no nafu nono🤣🤣🤣
— FUFUO SIKA NTƆ BENZ🇬🇭 (@n_mandela1) December 10, 2023
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