-Alpha gains walk over

Reigning Kashif and Shangai football champions Pele Football Club (PFC) has launched a protest against the playing surface of the Plaisance Community Centre ground and the lights being used to illuminate the said venue, that is presently hosting the second annual Bakewell Buxton Stars organized Digicel/Mackeson Stout sponsored sweet 16 football tournament.

With Pele failing to make an appearance due to their protest for their quarterfinal fixture against Alpha ‘The Hammer’ United last night, the latter advanced to the semi- final where they will oppose the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) on Tuesday in the first match of the double header.

Speaking with Stabroek Sports, president of PFC and former national custodian Cecil Jacques stated that a letter highlighting his team’s concern after their last game at the venue, was sent to the organizers and carbon copied to the sponsors, Guyana Football Federation (GFF), Georgetown Football Association (GFA) and the Guyana Football Referees Association (GFRA).

‘It is important that the GFF ensure that the correct playing conditions are being met by the organizers of local football tournaments, before they give their consent for the hosting of same. At the same time, the sponsors should also ensure that the venues are in perfect condition for the tournaments they themselves are sponsoring.”

“At the end of the day, it is the players who risk injuries while they compete on uneven playing surfaces that is being backed by inadequate lighting facilities, who are the highlight of the said tournaments and something should be done to ensure they are giving the perfect facilities to show case their skill to the local football public” said Jacques.

More on this issue in tomorrow’s edition.