PANJIM: So close yet so far… after playing 21 matches Dempo SC lost the title in the 22nd match. Although the Golden Eagles lost the final league game against FC Goa, other Goa Pro League top clubs felt, they were mentally defeated as Goan FC played just 20 matches to lay their hand on the trophy as they were given two walkovers by their opponents Vasco SC and Guardian Angel SC in closing phase of the league which according to ‘few clubs’ regarded this decision as an anti-climax which changed the fortunes of clubs chasing the title.
Dempo Sports Club Coach Samir Naik was made to cry over spilt milk following their final day title loss against Goan FC after a 0-2 set-back.
“The title was gifted to the opponents even before the kick-off. There is no point talking about the six points now as everyone will feel I am trying to defend myself. But this issue has to be raised as today it has happened to me and tomorrow it could happen to any of the teams,” lamented Dempo coach Samir.
The Dempo coach looked virtually unhappy when his wished his former teammate and Goan FC coach Clifford Miranda but smiled as he congratulated him on his way back to the dressing room.
“Somewhere something went wrong. I personally feel it was injustice. There was a time wherein we were eight points behind the leaders and my boys fought bravely and took the club to top of the table with a seven points lead. But then our rivals –Goan FC were gifted two walkovers which closed down the gap,” added Samir.
“It hurts as my boys worked hard for every point we collected till now,” added Naik, who had won the title with Dempo SC in the year 2011-12.
“Speaking about this now wouldn’t make much difference but things could get better in future if planned well. The league should be in such a way that it shouldn’t be stretched.
“I know its bit difficult to set a calendar but things should be streamlined too,” said Naik stating that most of the top clubs would surely feel that it was unfair to walk directly with three points and added, “Most coaches had a problem about this but they took it sportingly.”
When contacted former Sporting Clube de Goa coach Mateus Costa and Salgaocar FC coach Levino Anthony both agreed that it was a ‘set-back for the clubs’ vying for the title.
“Guardian Angel SC and Vasco SC were competent in the league. In the 90 minute of duel there could be plenty of surprises and upsets. So getting straight three points is a setback,” stated former Sporting Clube de Goa coach Mateus Costa.
When contacted Salgaocar FC coach Levino said, “We worked hard from the commencement of the league and as a professional league we can’t expect walkovers and straight three points without playing matches. It’s not right on the part of the clubs and GFA. It is injustice done to clubs. Clubs should behave in a professional manner and that will help in getting a professional set-up,” explained Levino, whose club was also eyeing the crown until the last three matches.
Both Samir Naik and Levino Anthony felt that GFA should come up with stringent rules that will stop such practices by the clubs.
“GFA should come with strict rules wherein the clubs who deny to play their matches giving various reasons should be either fined heavily or should be relegated to the bottom/lower tier league,” suggested Levino Anthony.
It can be recalled this season, in the English Championships, Bolton Wanderers Football Club are facing points deductions as two sets of points (12 points) for failing to play the Brentford game which will leave them starring at relegation to league two at the start of the next season.
“It is the teams can’t participate in Goa’s top league, they shouldn’t compete as it affects the tournament. GFA should take actions against such teams as they could penalise the clubs for not playing their matches by docking points,” concluded Samir Naik.
When contacted GFA Vice President Lavinio Rebello said, “The teams should sustain for at least six to eight months. They can’t give excuses. This year we had the league stretched a bit and that is because of the request of few clubs who wanted to represent at a National tournament. We also had a break during the Santosh trophy finals and zonals and we were concentrating on winning the title this year, though we didn’t win, we will continue to work towards it to get it home in coming years.”
“For the upcoming season, we have decided to begin the Pro league in August to avoid such issues,” concluded Lavinio.
GFA Acting secretary Jovito Lopes said, “It’s unfortunate and unsporting that both Vasco and Guardian Angel didn’t play their final league matches which gave six points to Goan FC on a platter. You need to have sporting spirit and should be ready for any circumstance. This is for the first time such things happened in Pro League and we will make sure it wouldn’t happen again.”
