Posted on September 20, 2012
FIFA was warned the Jamaica Football Federation after the post-match pitch invasion by fans of the Reggae Boyz after the 2-1 upset of the United States in a World Cup qualifier on Sept. 7, it was reported by Reuters on Thursday.
The win was the Jamaicans’ first in 19 tries over the Americans, who entered the match with a 10-0-8 record against their Caribbean foes.
“We can confirm that a warning has been issued against the Jamaica Football Federation following the events that occurred after the match between Jamaica and United States,” FIFA said in a statement.
JFF president and former Jamaica international Horace Burrell, who was quite concerned over the pitch invasion the night of the match, said the federation would improve security for future home games. Several hundred fans raced onto the field.
“They have informed us that if this happens again, very serious sanctions will be taken against Jamaica so let me appeal to spectators not to ever run on to the field,” Burrell told the Jamaican media.
“If it is felt that invading the field is a threat to the players and the officials, then FIFA would simply ban the National Stadium as a venue for play.”
In the return match in Columbus, Ohio four days later, the U.S. defeated the Jamaicans, 1-0.
The Reggae Boyz, who will play at Guatemala in a CONCACAF Group A WCQ on Oct. 12, will host Antigua & Barbuda four days later.
The U.S., Guatemala and Jamaica are tied with 2-0-1 record and seven points apiece.
Categories: Caribbean, CONCACAF, Jamaica
Tags: CONCACAF, Horace Burrell, World Cup qualifying
Loading ...
