Players, officials fear for Swamy’s health condition

Lautoka football coach Kamal Swamy was interviewed and released from the Labasa Police Station, last night.

The no-nonsense coach lost his temper and argued with the fourth official during their Vodafone Premier League clash against Labasa at Subrail Park. Trailing 2-0, Swamy could not hide his frustrations and confronted the match official.

Speaking to SUNsports, Swamy said, he could not stand the facial expression of the fourth official, which triggered his anger.

“It was my right to speak to the fourth official but look at the way the Police officers handled the situation,” he said.

“One of the Police officers pulled my t-shirt and it got torn and he pushed me out of the ground by holding my t-shirt neckline. This is not good. I have the right to speak.”

Lautoka Football vice-president Rukshan Ali said the players kept on telling the Police officers that Swamy was a heart patient and they should not touch him because he kept on saying ‘don’t touch’.

“It has been only two months since Swamy returned from a heart surgery in India. I was told that Swamy was upset with the fourth official’s facial expression.”

The fourth official Shavneel Prasad did not wish to make a comment.

Police spokeswoman Ana Naisoro says, “Police officers had to take the coach out of the park to the Police station because of his disorderly conduct. If he wishes to lodge a complaint against the official or the officers he can do so.”

Upcoming Labasa striker Gabriel Matanisiga scored two goals in a space of one minute to seal the win.

After a scoreless first half, the 21-year-old Seaqaqa native scored in the 57th minute and a minute later slammed in the second goal.

“It’s great to score two goals,” the former Vodafone Fijian Under-20 striker said.

“However, I’m thankful to the contribution made by my team mates that allowed us to continue on with our winning run especially after winning the Courts Inter District Championship, few weeks ago.”

Labasa vice-president Varun Anand said they were grateful to Pita Bolaitoga for preparing the team in the absence of coach Ronil Lal who is away in Ba on work commitments.

“I’m happy with the performance of our players despite the absence of Edwin Sahayam, Christopher Wasasala and Iliesa Naiyasi. We have another match tomorrow against Nadroga and we hope to win and get more points.”

Edited by Leone Cabenatabua

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