THE EDITOR, Sir:

The ugly incident at the Compound has again highlighted the problem of security for deserving fans. The safety of the spectator is of paramount importance if local football is to grow and garner support. Why would players want to lose the support that the sport so badly lacks already? Why is it that every time things come back to normal, there are those who gladly provoke the wrath of the critics? Just the other day we did not have a worthwhile sponsor so Telecom giant, Digicel, came onboard to fill the gap after Cash Plus failed to honour its obligation. We were ecstatic with that development; now this.

I am glad that coaches like Donovan Hayles and Lenworth Hyde did all that was humanly possible to quell the angry players who disgraced themselves on public television. All players involved in the fracas should have been suspended by the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) and money deducted from their salaries for bringing the game into disrepute. Sanctions must be meted out and the players should know that matters of this nature prevent aspiring players from getting contracts. Players, venues and supporters who entertain this slackness should be banned.

Are these players desperately seeking oversees contracts? Is this the behaviour with which they are going to sell Jamaica for others to get lucrative contracts to support their families, clubs and friends? How can we prevent a reoccurrence?

The JFF's disciplinary committee should make a serious decision on the matter to end these constant occurrences. This has reached crisis proportion and drastic measures have to be taken to quell the tension.

I am, etc.,

Paris Taylor (Mr)

paristaylor82@hotmail.com

Greater Portmore