![Director of Sports Christopher Jones [centre] addressing the gathering of media operatives on the 2nd NSC/Magnum Futsal Championship. Also in the photo are Magnum Brand Manager Edison Jefford [right] and tournament coordinator Esan Griffith](https://s1.stabroeknews.com/images/2019/02/jones19.jpg)
Director of Sports, Christopher Jones, has criticized the GFF referees for their non-appearance on match day five of the 2nd Annual NSC/Magnum Mash Cup Futsal Championship at the National Gymnasium on Saturday.
Speaking at a press conference held at the NSC headquarters, Homestretch Avenue, Jones described the actions of the officials as distasteful and callous.
“The non-participation of the referees last Saturday night has been
noted and I am awaiting an official response from the referees’ council as to why they were a no show on Saturday,” he said.
The final night in the group stage was stained by the non-appearance of the GFF referees, which forced the coordinators to utilize a former official and player to administer the matches.
This occurred in spite of the tournament being sanctioned by the GFF, who are mandated to provide officials. Due to the non-appearance of the referees, proceedings commenced three hours later than its intended 20:00hrs start time.
The organizers declared that it was never indicated that the officials would not have been present at the venue nor was any reason given for their non-appearance.
According to Jones, the action of the referees sends the wrong perception of the discipline which can hinder the support for the sport from the corporate sector.
Jones questioned where the referees can and should be perceived as a rogue entity due to their actions which he said needs to be reined in by the local governing body.
However, Jones praised the support of the fans and players, who patiently waited for the evening’s festivities to commence. He further thanked them for their support throughout the event and urged that the trend is maintained.
Also, Magnum Brand Manager Edison Jefford assured the players and fans that all systems are in place for an exciting night of play.
He further revealed that the organizers are committed to giving back to the patrons, who have been outstanding in their support of the budding tournament.
All roads will lead to the National Gymnasium tonight when eight epic knockout matches will be staged.
In the opening match, dark horse Ansa McAl will oppose the gritty Buxton Diamond from 19:00hrs, with Showstoppers battling Tiger Bay at 19:30hrs and Sophia engaging Broad Street from 20:00hrs.
The fourth fixture will then pit Gold is Money against Melanie at 20:30hrs, while Bent Street tackle Stabroek Ballers from 21:00hrs and Back Circle takes aim at North Ruimveldt at 21:30hrs.
In the final two matches, Leopold Street will engage Future Stars at 22:00hrs, while Sparta Boss will oppose North East La Penitence from 22:30hrs.
The tournament continues on Thursday at the same venue with the quarterfinal round. The semi-final stage will occur on Sunday.
Winner of the tournament will pocket $600,000, with the second and third place receiving $350,000 and $200,000 respectively.
The fourth place side will collect $100,000. Below features the fixtures for the opening night of the knockout round.
Round of 16 fixtures-19:00hrs
1.Ansa McAl vs Buxton Diamond
2.Showstoppers vs Tiger Bay
3.Sophia vs Broad Street
4.Gold is Money vs Melanie
5. Bent Street vs Stabroek Ballers
6. Back Circle vs North Ruimveldt
7. Leopold Street vs Future Stars
8. Sparta Boss vs North East La Penitence
