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No, Warren, no
ON THE SPORTING EDGE
PAUL REID
Thursday, July 29, 2010
var addthis_pub="jamaicaobserver";
If what we are hearing about the unfortunate incident at Jarrett Park on Sunday is anywhere near the truth, then we have reached a new low in football.
While I was not at Jarrett Park, it is obvious that something went horribly wrong at what turned out to be an aborted Western Masters League game that left referee Donat McKenley and former national goalkeeper and current national goalkeeper coach Warren Barrett injured after a reported fight.
Warren Barrett
1/1
No amount of white washing and taking sides will cover up this stain on the game. Fairly or unfairly, targeted or not, because of his outspoken nature on the field, Barrett has always walked a thin line with referees throughout his career. He has picked up more than a goalkeeper's fair share of cautions and talking to for off-the-ball incidents. Whether he was attacked and was in the act of defending himself, Barrett --a deacon at the Mt Salem Open Bible Church and a father of three --should never have allowed the situation to deteriorate so badly.
If, in fact, he was attacked by McKenley, he should have taken the high ground, walked away and maybe reported the matter to senior officials.
Chances are that most of who read the reports or heard the news have never heard of McKenley before and maybe never would and to be fair he was never anywhere near any short list for any senior appointments any time soon.
That however does not give anyone, be it a former national player, present national coach, or corner league player any right to put their hands on him.
It would be unfortunate if Barrett were to be found guilty as this would no doubt severely affect his involvement in the game.
With his wealth of knowledge gained from years of service both at the local, national and international levels, he has so much to teach the next generation of goalkeepers.
The incident also brings into stark focus the unreasonable level of importance put on the game at that level.
Masters League football should never be taken as seriously as it is in western Jamaica. These games should be for fun and enjoyment played by men whose more productive years have gone by and who engage each other for the love of the game and to enjoy each other's company.
Not so in western Jamaica.
From Prep school leagues where coaches, parents and so-called fans pressure the youngsters to the Masters League where pot-bellied men chase the ball, trying to regain their youth, the game takes on an edge of malevolence that makes one wonder what exactly is at stake?
No way should a Masters League game be disrupted because of a fight between a referee and players.
At the very basic level on Sunday, this idiocy robbed paying spectators of what they paid to see and no doubt landed the organisers with a massive bill.
For what?
No, Warren, no
ON THE SPORTING EDGE
PAUL REID
Thursday, July 29, 2010
var addthis_pub="jamaicaobserver";
If what we are hearing about the unfortunate incident at Jarrett Park on Sunday is anywhere near the truth, then we have reached a new low in football.
While I was not at Jarrett Park, it is obvious that something went horribly wrong at what turned out to be an aborted Western Masters League game that left referee Donat McKenley and former national goalkeeper and current national goalkeeper coach Warren Barrett injured after a reported fight.
Warren Barrett
1/1 If, in fact, he was attacked by McKenley, he should have taken the high ground, walked away and maybe reported the matter to senior officials.
Chances are that most of who read the reports or heard the news have never heard of McKenley before and maybe never would and to be fair he was never anywhere near any short list for any senior appointments any time soon.
That however does not give anyone, be it a former national player, present national coach, or corner league player any right to put their hands on him.
It would be unfortunate if Barrett were to be found guilty as this would no doubt severely affect his involvement in the game.
With his wealth of knowledge gained from years of service both at the local, national and international levels, he has so much to teach the next generation of goalkeepers.
The incident also brings into stark focus the unreasonable level of importance put on the game at that level.
Masters League football should never be taken as seriously as it is in western Jamaica. These games should be for fun and enjoyment played by men whose more productive years have gone by and who engage each other for the love of the game and to enjoy each other's company.
Not so in western Jamaica.
From Prep school leagues where coaches, parents and so-called fans pressure the youngsters to the Masters League where pot-bellied men chase the ball, trying to regain their youth, the game takes on an edge of malevolence that makes one wonder what exactly is at stake?
No way should a Masters League game be disrupted because of a fight between a referee and players.
At the very basic level on Sunday, this idiocy robbed paying spectators of what they paid to see and no doubt landed the organisers with a massive bill.
For what?
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