MAPUSA: Club officials voiced their frustrations over GFA after their GFA U-20 TACA Goa League match between Dempo Sports Club and Vasco Sports Club had to be called off due to the absence of Match Officials at the Duler Stadium, Mapusa, on Monday.
The Port Towners are still in contention for the second spot with 12 points along with Salgaocar’s FC with Sporting Clube de Goa having already won the title.
Vasco coach Eban Mesquita, was fuming with anger since his boys had to return home without playing the match, after having travelled from such a long distance. He questioned about the organisational skills of GFA, who had informed the team and the press media about the match but failed to inform the referees in-charge Anthony D’Costa regarding the referee’s appointment.
“Our management has to pay for the transport, refreshments and to the players for every match they participate and if by chance we fail to report for a match GFA imposes heavy fine on the team,” said Eban.
He questioned the wisdom of GFA who accordingly to him said were only killing football Mesquita summoned.
Dempo coach Anthony D’Souza also voiced his frustration in a similar manner. “My boys who had travelled from Benaulim, Navelim, Savordem and far places to play in today’s match had to return home disappointed.”
Though his team was not in contention of a place in the ongoing tournament with just 6 points, yet the boys were all geared up to play against their opponents.
“The interest of the players was so encouraging that six players who had taken part in the Reliance Cup at Mumbai where they were the losing finalist had returned just yesterday night and today they had reported for the match,” Anthony added.
Just as the players the spectators too had to return home disappointed, as today’s match was reported in the print media.
