|
|
|
  |
| Sunday, 12 December 2004 |
 |
|
 |
Sports |  |
| News Business Features Editorial
|
Straight talk by Lal Gunesekera Football 'THUGGERY' the winner !!! It was only two weeks back that I commented about hooliganism raising its ugly head once again at soccer matches. This incident took place at the Kadelkelle grounds in Negombo in a game involving Negombo Youth and Jupitors. Now, it has happened once again and this time the venue was the newly constructed Vernon Fernando Stadium in Kalutara where Blue Star were pitted against Negombo Youth. It will be recalled that this stadium was constructed by football's philanthropist Manilal Fernando the "God Father" of local soccer in memory of his father. At the opening ceremony which was full of pomp and pageantry, even attended by the big wigs of AFC and FFSL, and politicians, Fernando, distributed Rs. 100,000 plus a three-wheeler to each of the 15 players of Blue Star. However, this stadium which was built at a big cost, seems to be minus one important thing. That is a fence round the playing area to keep away spectators from invading the pitch. This was one of the main reasons behind last week's mob attack on the players from Negombo Youth. They were assaulted and some had to receive medical attention. The bus of the visiting team too was smashed and even the luxury Montero jeep of a club official from Negombo Youth and a Police vehicle too was not spared. The damages, according to a senior official of Negombo Youth was estimated at Rs. 500,000. Who is going to pay for these damages? Is it going to be the Blue Stars of Kalutara, FFSL or Insurance? Negombo Youth have demanded compensation from the FFSL, who organised the game. But the funny side of this whole episode was that no complaint was lodged with the local Police. Why? This question is on the lips of every sports loving person. There seems to be reasons for this. One, is that Negombo Youth did not want to "hurt" the feelings of Manilal Fernando, the person behind Kalutara's Blue Star. This was stated by an official of Negombo Youth. Perhaps no one seems to be on the "bad books" of this individual, who not only "runs" the affairs of the FFSL and soccer in this country. Even last years (2003) match between these two clubs (Negombo Youth and Blue Star) at the Kotahena grounds of St. Benedict's College saw spectators invade the playing area and assault players. So, was this year's incident too connected to it? Was it revenge? A full probe should be conducted by the authorities concerned and get to the bottom of it. When is this type of unruly behaviour going to end? Thugs should not be allowed to take control. The FFSL must take severe disciplinary action against clubs hosting matches and failing to provide adequate security for the visiting players and officials. In this case, it was Blue Star who are guilty. The FFSL should take the lead and even suspend the club, but I wonder whether any disciplinary action will be taken. Manilal Fernando is supposed to have apologised to Negombo Youth. Apology only is insufficient. The FFSL must not allow hooliganism to get out of control, and if they cannot, for God sake, hand over the reigns to people who can. Simpkin's thoughts George Simpkin the New Zealander who is Sri Lanka Rugby's so called "Technical Advisor", has now suggested that each club recruit a coach from overseas instead of a player next season. He has also suggested that each team should have separate coaches for forwards, three-quarters and even one for defence. He goes on to say that this is going to cost money, but could transform the game in Sri Lanka to higher levels. The SLRFU does not have the funds to pay Simpkin his monthly allowance (Rs. 200,000) and even the clubs (except for one or two) are finding it very difficult to make ends meet. How can Simpkin suggest that clubs start recruiting foreign coaches? He seems to be in his own dream world, and after being in the country now for quite sometime, does not seem to know that clubs cannot afford to recruit coaches from abroad. I understand that five clubs are to do some kind of recruitment from overseas for next season. Kandy Sports Club are going to continue with Tulagaese (Laga) from Samoa, while CR & FC and Police are in search of a coach from Australia and New Zealand respectively. Havelocks, CH & FC and Old Zahirians have faith in their local coaches in Tony Amith, Fazil Hafeel and Hisham Abdeen. There is also a talk that Simpkin may be recruited by a hill country club, but the SLRFU are determined to retain Simpkin's services. Simpkin has not delivered the "goods". Chandrika still queen Chandrika de Silva established a new record in the women's singles event at last week's 52nd National Badminton Championships. She won the title for the eighth consecutive year (1997 to 2004) and proved that she is yet the country's best women's shuttler and still in contention to represent the country at international level. Kaushalya Rodrigo (nee Dissanayake) won this title on seven occasions from 1989 to 1996 (excluding 1991), while Chandrika Mallawarachchi won it on seven consecutive occasions (1971 to 1977). Lucky Alagoda won it six times (1964 to 1970, excluding 1969). Among the men, Niroshan Wijekoon, has won the singles title on nine occasions from 1983 to 1992 (excluding 1988), L. R. Ariyananda on seven occasions from 1964 to 1971 (excluding 1966), Ravi Kuruppu for six consecutive years (1976 to 1981) and Thushara Edirisinghe also on six occasions from 1994 to 2000 (excluding 1996). |
|
| News | Business | Features
| Editorial | Security
| Produced by Lake House |
