Disciplinary action likely in soccer

Press, 24 October 1984, Page 56

Disciplinary action likely in soccer

NZPA Suva Severe disciplinary measures are being contemplated against Fijian, soccer players involved in violent incidents in matches against the touring New Zealand team in Suva and Lautoka last week. Investigations have been opened by the Fijian Football Association into the conduct of national representatives in both matches and the president, Hari Pal Singh, yesterday anticipated serious repercussions. He rejected a report in a Fijian newspaper yesterday that Fiji’s goal-keeper and captain, Bale Raniga, had been banned for life from international soccer, but said he intended to request that. his fellow association members contemplate suspensions of that sever-

ity; Mr Singh said he would meet with other members of the association on Monday and would ask that any member of the national team found to have used his fists in last week’s matches, which both ended in brawls, be banned from representing Fiji again overseas. That included Raniga, he said, who was sent from the field in the first international at Lautoka for kicking the New Zealand defender, Ricki Herbert, in the head. Mr Singh said he feared for the reputation of Fiji soccer world-wide after the violence which had marred the recent internationals. Strong steps needed to be taken to preserve Fiji’s credibility. However, Mr Singh said he was disappointed that

New Zealand players had chosen to provoke members of the home side. He said he had watched both matches and had no doubt the provocation was deliberate. Mr cited the New Zealand midfielder, Grant Turner, as a principal offender. Mr Singh said that at a meeting after the first international, the New Zealand manager, Alan. Jones, had told him that if the violence which marred the Lautoka match was repeated he would encourage the New Zealand Football Association to strike Fiji from its international calendar of tours. - “After saying such a thing I was disappointed to see that the New Zealanders seemed intent in the second international on provoking Fijian players,” Mr Singh said.