Verdes (left) edged Progresso (right) 1-0 in the 2nd leg of the PLB Final on Saturday night at the Edmund Marshalleck Stadium in Benque Viejo del Carmen when the unfortunate incident occurred. Photo Credit: Verdes FC/Wilton Ixtecoc
By Rubén Morales Iglesias: The Premier League of Belize (PLB) has finally joined the national conversation on the animal mistreatment incident that marred Saturday night’s Opening Season Championship Final in Benque Viejo.
The PLB, under which the final was played, took more than 20 hours to issue its first statement. A press release was circulated by email at 6:06 pm on Sunday, December 14, and the PLB only made its position public on social media at 10:42 am on Monday, December 15.
This response came significantly later than that of Belize’s highest football authority, the Football Federation of Belize (FFB), which condemned the incident less than an hour after the match ended on Saturday night. The FFB stressed that respect, discipline, and responsibility are fundamental to the sport and referred the matter to its Disciplinary Committee.
Earlier on Sunday, both Progresso FC and striker Latrell Middleton had already issued apologies. Middleton, who was red‑carded for kicking the dog in the 84th minute, said: “I deeply regret what happened. My actions were wrong and do not reflect who I am as a person or the values I stand for… I pledge to conduct myself with greater awareness, discipline, and respect, both on and off the field.” Progresso FC likewise expressed regret, stating that the incident did not reflect the club’s values and promising to cooperate fully with disciplinary authorities.
“The Premier League of Belize strongly condemns this action. Any form of violence or mistreatment toward animals is wholly unacceptable and is contrary to the values, standards, and code of conduct upheld by the League,” the PLB said in their release.
The PLB confirmed that the incident will be formally referred to its Disciplinary Committee for review and determination, in accordance with PLB regulations and procedures. The league also pledged to respect and enforce any sanctions imposed by the appropriate disciplinary body.
“The PLB sincerely apologizes to its fans, the public, and all animal lovers for the distress caused by this incident,” the PLB added.
“We remain committed to maintaining the highest standards of professionalism, respect, and responsibility in Belizean football.”
With both the FFB and PLB now formally condemning the act, the disciplinary process is expected to determine sanctions for Middleton, while Verdes FC may also face measures for the dog being on the pitch.
The post Premier League of Belize issues delayed statement on animal incident in Finals appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
Verdes (left) edged Progresso (right) 1-0 in the 2nd leg of the PLB Final on Saturday night at the Edmund Marshalleck Stadium in Benque Viejo del Carmen when the unfortunate incident occurred. Photo Credit: Verdes FC/Wilton Ixtecoc By Rubén Morales Iglesias: The Premier League of Belize (PLB) has finally joined the national conversation on the
The post Premier League of Belize issues delayed statement on animal incident in Finals appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
