THE EDITOR, Sir:DESPITE JAMAICA'S one-nil victory over Trinidad & Tobago in this first round of qualifying matches to reach the 2002 World Cup, the country paid a heavy price when its prestige was severely damaged by hooligans and criminals.
After paying $700 to attend the match and sitting near gate No. 10 (my usual location), hordes of hooligans simply scaled the perimeter wall subsequently inconveniencing those of us sitting below. How can the security and 'comfort' of paying fans be guaranteed when a large number of these ruffians were armed with knives in their waists? What about the number of patrons who were robbed by these knife-wielding outlaws?
The responsibility for this mayhem should be put squarely at the feet of the Institute of Sports which controls the stadium, and the JFF, its most regular tenant. However, to add insult to injury, the 'entertainment' package offered was a disaster. I have never in my limited exposure seen a set of so-called 'artistes' who would do anything to make a grand stand. There is too much hype going around and this 'bum rushing' of the stage by all and sundry must stop. Mr. Jerry D needs to examine himself and his behaviour as the 'official' MC for national football matches.
Despite the large number of security personnel around they were as useless as geldings on a stud farm.
As a country man, let me offer a few simple solutions.
From gate receipts, the JFF should buy razor-type coil fencing wire to install on the walls of the bleachers section, on the fence bordering the cycle track and around the light towers. Once these wires are secured properly, no hooligans will test them. The cost of such can be recouped from future payments to the Institute of Sports.
It should be also be mandatory that 40 per cent of match tickets be sold outside the Corporate Area especially Montego Bay and Ocho Rios. As far as entertainment is concerned, a limited number of performing artistes should be designated at least a week before matches and a major stipulation is that no hangers-on can enter the cycle track.
The implications of this chaos and mayhem can be quite far-reaching. What if FIFA should decide to ban Jamaica's Stadium from all home matches or what if decent law-abiding persons like myself should stop supporting the football programme? Captain Burrell the ball is in your court.
I am etc.,
DUDLEY McFARLANE JR.
E-mail: dud@hotmail.com
Via Go-Jamaica
