Jamaican referees are set to return to duty on Monday, September 30, following a weekend strike that caused the cancellation of all matches in the DaCosta Cup and Manning Cup competitions. The referees had taken strike action in response to concerns over safety and security after a series of troubling incidents involving match officials.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the Inter-Secondary Schools Sports Association (ISSA) expressed disappointment that an agreement could not be reached in time to allow the weekend’s games to proceed. However, the organization is optimistic about a swift resolution and resumption of matches.
“We are disappointed that a conciliatory position could not have been arrived at, that would allow today’s games to be played, but look forward to a quick and smooth resumption on Monday, September 30, 2024,” ISSA said.
The strike was prompted by two recent incidents in the DaCosta Cup. In one incident, during a match between Dinthill Technical and McGrath High last Saturday, referee officials were confronted by Dinthill players Maalick Whyte, Shamair Hutchinson, and Tyrese Gowe after the match. This confrontation escalated, with one of the players allegedly physically assaulting the referee.
As a result, ISSA’s disciplinary committee took swift action. On Thursday, it announced that Whyte and Hutchinson would be banned from participating in any ISSA-run competitions for one year, effective September 26, 2024, while Gowe was handed a three-match suspension. Additionally, Dinthill Technical was placed on a three-year probation and faces the threat of suspension if its players violate the disciplinary code during the probationary period.
The second incident occurred during a Zone A DaCosta Cup game between Maldon High and Cornwall College on September 14, when assistant referee Richard Ball was allegedly struck in the chest by a missile thrown from a group of spectators.
The Jamaica Football Referees Association (JFRA) raised concerns over the general safety and security of match officials and called for stricter penalties for those who verbally or physically assault referees. ISSA has since committed to reviewing its operations and addressing these concerns.
“The concerns raised by the JFRA are related to the general safety and security of match officials at our games as well as the stipulated penalties for persons who verbally or physically abuse match officials,” ISSA noted. “ISSA has committed to reviewing its general operations, and in particular, the specific areas of concerns raised, with the intention of ensuring that we continue to provide a safe and wholesome environment for all persons participating in our various competitions.”
With referees set to return, ISSA will continue working to ensure that referees, players, and spectators are all protected moving forward, as the competitions resume.
Bayern Munich offer positive Kane injury update
Bayern Munich offered a positive update on Harry Kane's status after the striker sustained an ankle injury against Bayer Leverkusen.
The England captain, who did not register a single shot during Saturday's 1-1 draw despite Bayern dominating, was injured in a collision late on at the Allianz Arena, where Aleksandar Pavlovic cancelled out Robert Andrich's earlier effort.
Bayern coach Vincent Kompany was hopeful Kane would be fit to feature against Aston Villa in the Champions League on Wednesday.
On Sunday, Bayern released a statement confirming tests run on Kane had revealed no significant damage, and that the 31-year-old would "continue to receive appropriate treatment", though they did not confirm whether the forward will be fit to face Villa.
Kane suffered the knock due to a robust challenge from Amine Adli.
Speaking to reporters after the match, Kane said: "Sometimes there have been red cards for something like that.
"I'm OK, but it's a bit sore. I think it's OK. It doesn't feel too bad at the moment. We'll assess that in the next few days, but I don't think I'll be out for long."
Villa will certainly be hoping Kane is absent as they prepare to host a European giant.
Kane has been directly involved in seven goals in six career appearances against them at Villa Park, scoring five goals and providing two assists.
Indeed, he has also scored the game-winning goal at Villa Park on two previous occasions, netting a 90th-minute winner in November 2014 (2-1) and both goals in a 2-0 victory there in March 2016 – both during his time at Tottenham.
Arteta shows Guardiola the love as Arsenal-Man City rivalry sparks
Mikel Arteta is "so grateful" to Pep Guardiola, though the Arsenal manager claimed it is out of his hands if somebody else wishes to damage his relationship with Manchester City's boss.
Tempers flared in the 2-2 draw between the Premier League title rivals at the Etihad Stadium last week.
Ahead of this weekend's fixtures, Guardiola said City would go to "war" with Arsenal, who joined the reigning champions on 14 points after Saturday's games.
While City drew 1-1 at Newcastle United, Arsenal clinched a 4-2 victory over Leicester City thanks to two stoppage-time goals.
After that match, though, Arteta was still asked about Guardiola.
"I've admired him since I was 10 years old," Arteta said on Saturday.
"I respect him profoundly. I'm so grateful for everything he did for me and continues to do for me.
"If someone wants to damage the relationship, that's not in my hands.
"The feeling [of affection] is profound. [Guardiola] knows it, the staff know it because I still [speak] with them today, and with the board, the ownership – with everyone."
Arteta was a coach at City between 2016 and 2019, until he left to replace Unai Emery in charge of the Gunners.
Milan derby defeat played part in nervy Udinese win, says Inter boss Inzaghi
Simone Inzaghi believes a hangover from Inter's derby defeat to Milan ultimately impacted his team's display against Udinese.
Lautaro Martinez scored twice as Inter held on for a nervy 3-2 win over Udinese on Saturday.
Davide Frattesi put Inter in front after 43 seconds but Christian Kabasele levelled in the 35th minute before Martinez scored either side of half-time, with Lorenzo Lucca setting up a grandstand finish.
The victory came six days on from reigning Serie A champions Inter losing 2-1 to their city rivals in dramatic fashion at San Serie.
"We came across a healthy team, who got 10 points and were undefeated at home," Inzaghi said.
"However, we always kept control of the match, it's a shame about the ending where you know there can always be a negative episode."
"The two goals are two goals that we should have avoided.
"Our opponents are very dangerous when they show up in the area. We should have done better as a team in both goals, Lucca flew towards our goal with a two-goal advantage, we will have to work better when not in possession.
"[But] it had been almost two years since we lost a derby and it had been two years since we prepared for a match with such difficulties because losing a derby is not like losing a normal match."
Inter did at least snap a run of three games without a win in all competitions, with Martinez grabbing his first Serie A goals since May in the process.
"In the derby he had a good game where he got used to exploiting the chances he had," Inzaghi said.
"[A scoring drought] happens, we were all waiting for his goals. The fact that he has returned to scoring is important for everyone."
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