JFF to unleash wrath... Following spate of violence at matches

André Lowe, Senior Staff Reporter

President of the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) Captain Horace Burrell has expressed deep concern and zero tolerance for the recent spate of violence that has gripped the local football fraternity on the back of three incidents in as many days.

One man was fatally shot and another injured at a football match at the Drax Hall Sports Complex on Tuesday after a bottle-throwing incident, while there were other violent incidents in St Elizabeth and St Mary on the two previous days.

Burrell said he has instructed his organisation's general secretary, Horace Reid, to include the matter on the agenda for discussion at the upcoming board meeting, which is scheduled for later this month.

"It is going to be on the priority list for discussion at our upcoming board meeting, which will be held shortly. We will spend some time looking at this cancer and collectively put measures in place to minimise the incidents of violence at football games," Burrell promised.

Awaiting findings

The CONCACAF executive committee member and Caribbean Football Union vice-president pointed out that the administration was awaiting the findings of the investigations before making any decisions regarding possible punishment.

He further underlined the JFF's intolerance of and disappointment with the recent incidents, noting that they had occurred outside the so-called volatile communities.

"What is happening now is unacceptable, it is sad, and it has to be stamped out, because we have been having a good run for a long time," said Burrell. "What is noticeable is that these incidents are occurring outside of the usual problem areas, so to speak."

The former army man believes that the JFF will have to act swiftly and sternly in an effort to send a clear message to the football public that this type of behaviour will not go unpunished.

"Football is a sport that brings out a lot of emotions. However, there is no reason why people should resort to the violent and almost barbaric behaviour that we have been seeing ... . The wrath of the JFF is going to be sent upon them heavily."

Burrell also urged local football fans not to allow their emotions to get the better of them, regardless of the issue at a particular game.

"Seeing that others are doing it (disrupting football games) and getting away with it, there are some who are encouraged and have decided to follow suit. We have to send a very clear message that this kind of behaviour will not be tolerated in football," Burrell said.