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Convenor of Goa Bachao Abhiyan (GBA) Dr Oscar Rebello has been nominated
for CNN-IBN's Indian of the Year Award 2007 in public service category
Vote for him at:
http://www.cnnibnindianoftheyear.com/publicservice_voting_new.php
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Kuwait Goans, AVC, Fahaheel Brothers in semis
DHL player cripples opponent
-Gasper Crasto, Kuwait
Kuwait: An unforgivable, vicious foul by DHL's Elvis Camelo that crippled
Kuwait Goans young playmaker Christovam Colaco with a broken shin was one
of the most horrific incidents seen in the 18 year history of the NYC
Rolling Trophy football tournament played under the auspices of Kuwait
Indian Football Federation (KIFF).
In chilling temperatures as low as 6°C at Salmiya Grounds, Kuwait Goans
Association (KGA) led 2-0 in the second half with goals from Andre Dias and
Jimmy Goveia. With less than ten minutes left for the final whistle
Christovam was moving diagonally with the ball just after the centre circle
when DHLs stopper-back Elvis lunged at his legs with both feet. The studs
beneath one of Elvis' boots crashed into the flesh of Christovams shin
grounding the player writhing in pain.
Referee Sarto Baptista, one of the most consistent referees had little
hesitation in giving marching orders to the DHL defender. A two footed
tackle, anyone will testify, is the most heinous foul in football, quoted
Junnifer Rodrigues, member of the Indian referees body in Kuwait since 1980
Another official said, The two-footed tackle in football is always illegal
but players get away with just a red card
Thats the maximum penalty refs
can give on the field...
Player in Hospital
KGA officials who reportedly lodged a complaint with KIFF against the brutal
tackle said Christovam was operated at Al-Razi Hospital for a broken leg.
Christovams football activity is ended in most probability and he is in
danger of losing his job also. We are afraid he may never be able to play
again. He is crippled with the shin bone broken into two. Doctors have
advised him complete bed rest to recuperate once discharged from the
hospital. It could be as many as 3 months before he can walk again. For the
time, all arrangements are being made to fly the player back to his home in
Goa for better care and treatment. Many clubs have shown concern and support
towards the player..," disclosed KGA Team Manager Nazi Azavedo.
The official football rules called the Laws of the Game are revised
annually by FIFA, the world football governing body. These rules are adopted
by KIFF and the Indian Football Referees Association (IFRA), although many
football organizations worldwide have their own set of rules.
Perhaps the dastardly foul will be discussed by the disciplinary
committee of KIFF. Even then, an offence like this may get a maximum 3 match
ban. Thats not enough... remarked an unnamed football administrator.
Public Reaction
There were mixed reactions from all circles about the credibility of some
teams and players in the aftermath of the fatal injury.
Many spectators called the foul intentional, horrendous and viewed
concern over such tackles perpetrated by some frustrated players in an
expatriate working world where games are played only as pastime.
There are some players who disgrace their teams and bring the game to
disrepute especially when they are at the losing end, commented a
spectator while another bystander added, There was no need for such a
dangerous tackle knowing they (DHL) were down by 2 goals...No, it was not
accidental or 50-50...It was deliberate
Everybody saw that!.. Moreover, it
is disgusting to note some of DHLs supporters and substitutes instigating
their players from the sidelines to play rough.
"Someone needs to sit him down and educate him about the game he plays,"
said another observer about the DHL defender, "This player should be kicked
out of the game by his club and the federation. It is necessary to improve
the game's image... Primarily, it should be every club's responsibility to
impress upon players not to commit fouls that get them sent off
"
Christovam was undoubtedly the best player on the field with meticulous
dribbling and majestic, untiring runs with the ball. He fed his strikers
over and over again with precision passes. Kuwait Goans took the lead
through his hard work off striker Andre Dias and were never in real danger
from then on. KGA goalkeeper Martin Dias, captain Vico DSouza, Caridade and
defender Teotonio too excelled in the match.
Leroy hatricks for AVC
In the other quarter-final matche, striker Leroy Rodrigues scored a hatrick
to coast AVC Overseas Association to an easy 3-0 victory over C.R.C.
Chinchinim. AVC led 2-0 in the first half. The second half was more an
ordeal of sorts though AVC held sway and probed persistently for another
goal, but lacked that killer finish from their forwards even as Chinchinim
looked to be running out of steam and chose to play second fiddle only to
come up with occasional raids to release the pressure.
In yet another quarter-final round, Curtorcares United, champions in 2004~05
succumbed to a 4-1 defeat against spirited Fahaheel Brothers. Curtorcares,
who scored 11 goals in their last two encounters appeared to have left their
scoring boots at home against a middling Fahaheel defense. Strikers Lawrence
Furtado and Zico Fernandes could not beat the Fahaheel defense not just
because the defenders were outstanding but more so because they did not make
that extra effort or showed urgency when it mattered. Muneer and Riyas were
the pick of the players for Fahaheel Brothers. Nishad (2 goals), Suleiman
and Liyakat Ali scored for Fahaheel. Alex Fernandes reduced the margin for
Curtorcares.
In the semifinal line-up on Friday, January 18, 2008, Kuwait Goans will
clash with Fahaheel Brothers while Don Bosco Oratory challenge AVC to stake
claim for their first final appearance in Kuwait Indian football tournaments
UG Tournament
Meanwhile, United Goans (UG) Centre started the 31st edition of UG tournament
-- the oldest tournament played among expatriate Indians in Kuwait. In a first
round match, GOA Maroons won against the host UG with 2 second half goals.
Ayman gave the lead for Maroons while Ian DSouza sealed the victory with a
penalty kick.
