Verdes’ Krisean Lopez(left) and Progresso’s Latrell Middleton, Krisean Lopez suspended two games for unsportsmanlike behaviour during the PLB Final in Benque Viejo del Carmen on Saturday, December 13, 2025, Photo Credit: Verdes FC/Wilton Ixtecoc/Progresso FC/LJL’s Quick Cash
By Rubén Morales Iglesias: The Premier League of Belize (PLB) has issued two game suspensions with the possibility of five to Progresso FC’s Latrell Middleton and Verdes FC’s Krisean Lopez. The disciplinary sanctions follow incidents during the 2025 Opening Season Final at the Edmund Marshalleck Stadium, when Middleton and Lopez were both expelled and later
The match took an unexpected turn when a dog ran onto the field, causing confusion and drawing public outrage after Middleton kicked the animal away. While the moment dominated public discussion, the PLB’s official ruling makes no reference to the dog incident. Middleton’s sanction is based solely on unsportsmanlike behaviour toward the referee, as outlined in the Disciplinary Committee’s decision.
Middleton later posted a public apology on social media, expressing regret for his actions and acknowledging the seriousness of the situation.
Prior to the canine intrusion, Verdes’ Lopez was shown a red card and reacted angrily, confronting referee Caliz before being restrained. Lopez later said he never intended to disrespect the referee, insisting he did not curse at Caliz and that his frustration came from disagreement with the call.
Following review, the PLB Disciplinary Committee ruled that both Middleton and Lopez will serve five‑match suspensions, with the first two matches to be served at the start of the 2025–26 Closing Season. The remaining three matches are suspended for five months, contingent on good behaviour toward match officials.
Both players were also fined BZD $250 for bringing the game into disrepute.
Verdes FC received an additional BZD $1,000 fine for an “aggravated event organizational oversight and event safety protocol shortfall” after the canine intrusion was deemed a preventable lapse in match‑day control.
Caliz Announces Retirement After Final
The incidents in Benque — coming just two weeks after another confrontation in Belize City — proved to be the straw that broke the camel’s back for Caliz, a long‑serving FIFA referee who has officiated international matches. In the days following the final, Caliz retired from refereeing, citing the escalating hostility and personal risk faced by match officials.
The PLB reiterated its zero‑tolerance policy toward intimidation or violence against referees and called on clubs, players, and supporters to help restore respect and safety within Belizean football.
The post Latrell Middleton, Krisean Lopez handed two-match suspensions after fiery PLB Final in Benque appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
Verdes’ Krisean Lopez(left) and Progresso’s Latrell Middleton, Krisean Lopez suspended two games for unsportsmanlike behaviour during the PLB Final in Benque Viejo del Carmen on Saturday, December 13, 2025, Photo Credit: Verdes FC/Wilton Ixtecoc/Progresso FC/LJL’s Quick Cash By Rubén Morales Iglesias: The Premier League of Belize (PLB) has issued two game suspensions with the possibility
The post Latrell Middleton, Krisean Lopez handed two-match suspensions after fiery PLB Final in Benque appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
