FC Fassell head coach Ivan Minnaert has condemned the actions of some fans, believed to be supporters of the club, who displayed threatening placards before Sunday’s league match against Heaven Eleven. The placards, which carried messages such as “Any attempt to give us defeat or draw, we will chase you out of Liberia. Coach Minnaert, win or leave,” were aimed at intimidating the Belgian tactician.
Despite the hostile display, FC Fassell managed to secure a hard-fought 1-0 victory, extending their unbeaten run in the league to seven matches. In a post-match interview, Minnaert expressed his frustration, alleging that the fans were hired to intimidate him.
“My impression is that before the game, some people were paid to make noise. Fans are there to support the team, not to threaten the coach,” Minnaert remarked. “Somebody paid these people, people we haven’t seen on the field before, and they came with placards. What’s the meaning of that?”
FC Fassell’s win saw them maintain their position at the top of the LFA First Division with 17 points, just one point ahead of second-place LPRC Oilers. The victory came despite recent mixed performances, including an unexpected early exit from the league cup, where they were knocked out by second-division side District 17 FC. Minnaert dismissed the cup defeat, attributing it to the unpredictable nature of knockout football.
“League cup games are always a 50-50 situation; you can either win or lose,” Minnaert explained.
The Belgian coach, who is under contract with FC Fassell until 2027, has been tasked with leading the club to the LFA First Division title this season. To support this ambition, the club has invested heavily in strengthening the squad, including a 21-day training camp in Egypt and a pre-season tournament in Buchanan, Grand Bassa County, where two foreign clubs participated. Additionally, Fassell has signed three foreign players—two Moroccans and a Gambian goalkeeper—along with former Lone Star players Zah Krangar, Solomon Grimes, and Tonia Tisdell.
In other league action, LPRC Oilers suffered their first defeat of the season, falling 3-1 to Bea Mountain at Tusa Field in Gardnersville. Sierra Leonean striker Ismael Dumbuya netted a hat-trick for Bea Mountain, propelling them to 15 points, just two behind leaders FC Fassell.
Meanwhile, Mighty Barrolle secured their first win of the season with a 1-0 victory over Shaita Angels. Watanga’s struggles continued as they lost 3-2 to Paynesville FC at Doris Williams Stadium in Buchanan, while LISCR FC triumphed 2-1 over Global Pharma at Tusa Field.
With the season heating up, all eyes remain on FC Fassell as Minnaert and his team aim to overcome the challenges ahead and continue their pursuit of the title.
