Referees want harsher penalty
FC Santa Rosa coaches Keith Look Loy and Jovan Rochford have agreed to serve another match suspension to ensure his team’s matches and the T&T Super League (TTSL) can be completed, but it may not be enough for local referees and its head Joseph Taylor.
The decision came at a meeting called by the T&T Football Association (TTFA) on Monday to settle the impasse between TTSL campaigner FC Santa Rosa and referees at the Ato Boldon Stadium in Couva. It was chaired by TTFA president David John-Williams.
Guardian Media Sports learnt the Santa Rosa duo decided to stay away from Sunday’s encounter with Police FC at the Arima Velodrome to appease a disgruntled referees Appointment Committee, led by Taylor which argued that the pair did not serve a ban since the officials in last Sunday’s match between Santa Rosa and Siparia Spurs did not come from the appointment committee.
The match at the Palo Seco Velodrome was done by referee Roger Smith with Devon London and Junior Geoffrey as his assistants, all of whom took it upon themselves in the interest of the game.
Both Look Loy and Taylor refused to comment yesterday based on agreement that the TTFA would issue a release to the media soon. But Guardian Media Sports has learnt that another issue is on the rise based on a request by Taylor that was not on Monday’s agenda to be discussed. It is understood Taylor has asked for referees to appeal the decision of the TTSL’s Disciplinary Committee of a one match ban and $1,000 fine each.
It is unsure of what punishment Taylor and his referees want for the FC Santa Rosa duo but the request was denied by John-Williams, a source close to the parties said.
Guardian Media Sports was also reliably informed that the referees want Look Loy to take down all videos of Cecile Hinds’ involvement in the November 5 encounter with Santa Rosa and Hydro Tech Guaya United at the Velodrome down from his social media sites.
The meeting was attended by Wayne Caesar, head of referees department, Frank Brancker, chairman of the south zone referees committee, Lee Davis, chairman of the east zone referees committee, David Ramkalawan, chairman of the central zone referees committee: John-Williams, TTFA general secretary Justin Latapy-George and Azaad Khan, as well as TTSL Board members Look Loy, who is also president, Eddie Dean, Clayton Morris, George Joseph and general secretary Camara David.