Progresso’s Latrell Middleton (right) and goalkeeper Selvin Sagatume with the PLB Subchampions Cup – Photo credit: Progresso FC
By Rubén Morales Iglesias: Amid widespread criticism of Progresso striker Latrell Middleton following the animal mistreatment incident in Saturday night’s Premier League of Belize Final, Napoles FC general manager Brian Mira calls for the young football star to be given a second chance.
Brian Mira, General Manager of the PLB’s Napoles FC – Photo Courtesy: Brian Mira
“Latrell Middleton is a football star. In a heated football finals, his team is losing the finals, a dog gets into the pitch, and he kicks the dog. That is unacceptable of course, and he gets a red card. He is vilified online. The young man apologizes publicly. He sounds remorseful and contrite.” Mira wrote this in a social media post in support of Middleton.
“This is what is expected, but then comes the hypocrisy of some people, expecting that this young man should be cancelled, that there is NO second chance for him, for making a stupid mistake. Keep your head up Latrell, because to err is human, and second chances don’t only come from us, it is mandated by our saviour himself Jesus Christ,” Mira added.
“Belizeans keep quiet about so much evil they see, even in their own homes, abuse, not just of a dog but of children and even themselves. And they keep quiet. Latrell made a mistake, and he will pay for it, but his apology is what is expected of him, a public acceptance of his error and a cry for a second chance,” Mira emphasized.
“Keep your head up Breds. We have all made mistakes… Get off your self‑righteous horses people and give the young man that second chance,” Mira concluded.
Middleton has been commended by many fans for his public apology, which he issued on Sunday. Belize Women’s National Team goalkeeper Jasmin Armstrong wrote: “Proud of you for this!!! So many young kids in Cayo I know look up to you and always call your name when they see you play. Keep doing the right thing, you did well! Don’t let the enemy sway your mind to do otherwise, you are more talented than words can explain! Keep positive always.”
Former Belize Men’s National Team goalkeeper and current FFB Executive member Shane Orio also offered encouragement: “We learn and grow, remember ur a role model and have a lot of people in ur corner. Blessings stay positive.”
While Middleton’s sanction will be determined by football authorities, the debate has shifted to how he is treated publicly. Mira, Armstrong, Orio, and others argue that his remorse and apology should be recognized, and that the young striker deserves a second chance rather than relentless condemnation.
Yet amid the disciplinary reviews and public debate, one question remains unanswered: the welfare of the dog itself. Neither the PLB nor the FFB have indicated what became of the animal, leaving a gap in accountability that extends beyond the player and the league.
The post Napoles FC general manager Brian Mira calls for second chance for Latrell Middleton appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
Progresso’s Latrell Middleton (right) and goalkeeper Selvin Sagatume with the PLB Subchampions Cup – Photo credit: Progresso FC By Rubén Morales Iglesias: Amid widespread criticism of Progresso striker Latrell Middleton following the animal mistreatment incident in Saturday night’s Premier League of Belize Final, Napoles FC general manager Brian Mira calls for the young football star
The post Napoles FC general manager Brian Mira calls for second chance for Latrell Middleton appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
