CL Financial San Juan Jabloteh have apologised for the fracas that occurred between members of their team and Pro League leaders Vibe CT 105 W Connection during the Toyota Classic final at the Manny Ramjohn Stadium on Friday.
In a media release yesterday, the club said for the last seven years there has been keen rivalry between the teams, but expressed strong disapproval over the actions by their players and technical staff during the incident.
"Competition no doubt is an important catalyst in developing higher standards," the release said. "However, in striving for achievement we may push the envelope of what is acceptable. In such circumstances mutual respect will always provide appropriate restraint."
Jabloteh further conveyed confidence the matter would be dealt with fairly by the club and the T&T Pro League.
"Accordingly," the release said, "we accept that what occurred during the match on November 4, fell outside of the boundaries of proper conduct for both teams involved. To the extent that it did, we apologise for the conduct of our players and technical staff. We are confident that the mechanisms in place both in our respective clubs and the T&T Pro League will treat adequately with any transgressions of our values."
The affair arose when Connection midfielder Gefferson Da Silva Goulart, after scoring the lone goal of the match in the 66th minute, raced towards the Jabloteh bench, and was struck by Jabloteh coach Terry Fenwick on his approach.
The match was then suspended for almost ten minutes as the referee attempted to bring the ensuing melee under control. The disciplinary committee of the Pro League are schedule to meet tomorrow to deal with the issue.