Meadows, Cavalier forced to shift 'home' games

Robert Bailey, Gleaner Writer

The recent flare-up of violence has forced the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) to change the home venue of Digicel Premier League aspirants, Meadows, from the Spanish Town Prison Oval, a decision which has left their coach, Christopher Russell, somewhat disappointed.

The violence in the Old Capital has so far resulted in more than 20 murders and a number of persons have been left nursing gunshot wounds in hospital.

Despite this fact, Russell told The Gleaner yesterday that his club is set to lose big bucks from ticket sales and crowd support if their matches are not played at the Prison Oval.

"For me, I would prefer Prison Oval because it is right in the town and our supporters would be able come out," said Russell, whose team was beaten 3-0 by Cavalier in their last outing.

Up to press time, no decision had been made concerning where the games will be played, but Ferdie Neita Park, which is located a few miles away in Portmore, is being touted as a likely alternative.

No venue yet

"We are not sure as yet (about likely venue) because it depends on the situation in Spanish Town and how it develops. We played our first game over at Ferdie Neita Park and this was as a result of the volatile situation in Spanish Town at the time," Russell said.

Russell added that the safety of the players and fans is always a big concern for the club and they will be doing everything to ensure that this is taken care of.

"I think that if it's going to be a safety issue then I believe that Ferdie Neita Park would be the best place to play, but this a decision that would have to be made by the management of the club," he said.

Meadows, who are joint second in the standings on three points, along with Cavalier, are scheduled to play their next two matches away to leaders Reno in Westmoreland, and Benfica at Drax Hall, St Ann.

The Wendell Downswell-coached Reno lead the standings with maximum six points, while Benfica are at the bottom of the table without a point after two outings.

Meanwhile, the management of Cavalier, who was also told by the JFF to schedule their home matches away from the Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex due to violence in the Arnett Gardens area, said they would be playing their home matches at the University of the West Indies Bowl.