Tweet
A wise move to keep them apart <DIV class=KonaBody xVlvo="true">
</DIV>file - The Catherine Hall Mini Stadium in Montego Bay.
western bureau
It is not difficult to understand the rationale behind the decision taken by the Jamaica Football Federation's (JFF) Western Confederation not to allow Captain's Bakery Western Super League contenders Granville FC and Montpelier to play each other on their respective home turfs, however, I find the whole situation distressing.
Sports is supposed to be a vehicle to unite people but sadly, in this instance, because of the bitter/brutal rivalry between supporters of the two teams, the Everton Tomlinson-led confederation, has seemingly caved in to those fans, who have chosen to make indiscipline a way of life.
Having personally witnessed a violent confrontation between supporters of the two teams, during a semi-final clash at the unfinished Catherine Hall Stadium last year, any sensible administrator would probably want to do every thing in his power to prevent a repeat of that ugly incident in which bottles and other missiles rained on the venue.
While two members of the Hanover-based Montpelier team were slapped with bans in the aftermath of that incident, there might be some amount of lingering bitterness among some fans, especially those who sustained injury during the violent free-for-all which followed the premature ending of the game.
no home turf games
It is my understanding that the decision not to allow the teams to meet each other on their home turf this year was initiated by Montpelier, whose management believes that it would be courting trouble to play against the Montego Bay-based Granville anywhere in St. James.
Granville's head honcho, Mrs. Tracy Reid has said that she is willing to give up her Sam Sharpe Teachers College home ground for another venue in St. James, but clearly resents the idea of being asked to play at the Elliston Wakeland Youth Centre, in Falmouth.
According to Mrs. Reid, her team has moved on as far as last year's incident is concerned and holds no ill-will towards the Montpelier team. In fact, in expressing a readiness to play on Montpelier's home ground, she said she would prefer to see a return to normality between the teams instead of the effort to keep them apart.
While I admire Mrs. Reid's sincerity, my concern surrounds those persons who follow the teams, labelling themselves fans. They do not contribute positively to the cause of the team, but are the first ones to throw a punch or start a fight at the slightest hint of provocation.
While I can understand the additional expenses Granville will face, playing away in Falmouth, where they will be required to prepare the venue, put security in place and meet their transportation expenses, it might well prove less costly than to have a spectator being maimed or killed at one of the home venues.
Before the teams are allowed to play each other on their home ground in the near future, I believe the teams should first begin to show that they are making an effort to exercise control over those fans, who are prone to uncivilised behaviour. It would also help if the leadership of the two clubs begin to lead by example.
Comment