The National Channel screenshot
BY Rubén Morales Iglesias: The Football Federation of Belize (FFB) has condemned an incident of animal cruelty during the Premier League of Belize (PLB) Opening Season Finals between Progresso FC and Verdes FC.
The match, played Saturday night in Benque Viejo, saw the drama unfold in the 84th minute during a tense game interruption following the ejection of Krisean Lopez. The Verdes’ striker had just been shown a red card for dissent after vociferous complaints to the referee, sparking heated reactions. The stoppage stretched as substitutions were being made: Progresso’s Richard Gillett entered for Marlon Gutierrez, who had suffered a sprained leg from a hard tackle by Richard Monges. Gutierrez had been left unattended for a while on the pitch before being rushed by ambulance to the San Ignacio Hospital. Amidst this delay and confusion, a stray dog that had somehow managed to enter the stadium entered the pitch and was roaming among the players without being removed.
It was in this charged atmosphere that Progresso FC’s Latrell Middleton—this season’s top scorer, who had gone blank despite the breaks in both legs of the final—boiled over in frustration and kicked the animal. However one looks at it, such behaviour is wrong, and the act drew immediate concern from fans and television viewers.
Middleton was immediately ejected from the match and will more than likely receive a sanction from the Football Federation of Belize.
In its official statement, the FFB invoked Mahatma Gandhi’s words: “The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.”
“The Football Federation of Belize unequivocally condemns any form of abuse or mistreatment of animals and stresses that such behavior is unacceptable and contrary to the values and principles of football,” the FFB added.
FFB officials emphasized that respect, discipline, and responsibility are fundamental to the sport, particularly during high‑profile events such as the PLB Finals. “The FFB does not, in any way, condone this action,” the statement read.
The matter has now been referred to the FFB Disciplinary Committee.
“The committee will evaluate the incident involving Latrell Middleton and determine any appropriate disciplinary sanctions,” the FFB confirmed.
“The Football Federation of Belize remains committed to upholding the integrity of the game and ensuring a safe and respectful environment for all participants, officials, supporters, and animals affected by matchday activities.”
The post FFB condemns animal mistreatment during PLB Finals appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
📸 The National Channel screenshot BY Rubén Morales Iglesias: The Football Federation of Belize (FFB) has condemned an incident of animal cruelty during the Premier League of Belize (PLB) Opening Season Finals between Progresso FC and Verdes FC. The match, played Saturday night in Benque Viejo, saw the drama unfold in the 84th minute during a
The post FFB condemns animal mistreatment during PLB Finals appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
