The Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex in Paynesville City took the appearance of a war zone on Monday, April 29, 2024 after the full completion of the quarterfinal match between Grand Gedeh County and Nimba County.
All hell broke loose and chaos filled the environment with hundreds of Grand Gedeh County supporters chasing match officials who were reported for cheating them with a goal cancelation.
The angry spectators seized the pitch and the surroundings of the stadium, damaging the facility and causing bodily injuries to others that were not involved.
While other stakeholders remained tightlipped in the situation, the Sports Writers Association of Liberia (SWAL) has strongly condemned what it terms as an act of ‘hooliganism’ exhibited by the supporters on the grounds of the sporting facility.
According to a release issued by SWAL yesterday, the group exhibited actions damaging the dugout seats, player benches, and other infrastructures at the stadium.
The SWAL release further explained that the barbaric action also left several individuals unfortunately injured.
The statement added that the destruction of the facilities at the SKD is totally wrong and an act of hooliganism that has no place in football.
It further noted that the behavior of the disgruntled football fans has placed a dim light on this year’s County Meet and wants organizers to take drastic actions to avoid reoccurrence.
SWAL also wants the Liberia National Police (LNP) to immediately investigate and bring to book perpetrators of Monday’s violence at the SKD.
SWAL has therefore welcomed the decision by the Liberia Football Association to expel referee, Josephus Tarjilor, but called for an investigation to also be done in the Bomi versus Lofa County match.
The sports writing body further stressed that the number of poor decisions taken by some referees in this year’s county meet undermines the established intent of the tournament, which is to promote peace and unity among all Liberians.
“Video footages from the two games show that the penalty awarded to Lofa County by referee George Momo and the disallowed goal from Grand Gedeh need immediate investigation, followed by lengthy punishment,” they said.
They therefore called on all Liberians, especially football followers to always exhibit good sportsmanship and professionally channel their grievances, regardless of the decision of match officials.
