Awesome FC sympathises with injured Football referee

Awesome FC has expressed its sympathy with the President of the St Vincent and the Grenadines Football Referees Association (SVGFRA), Elron Lewis, who was injured in an incident at the Victoria Park on Tuesday, February 18, 2025. Lewis received a cut below his left eye.

The club was moved to take that route, as allegations of Lewis’ injury, point to a member of the Awesome FC’s coaching staff being the perpetrator.

A letter dated February 20, 2025, addressed to Lewis and penned by Darren Fisher, General Secretary of Awesome FC, condemned the action of the unmentioned alleged perpetrator.

“We wish to express our concern for all parties involved and emphasise we do not condone any form of violence, intimidation, or unsportsmanlike behaviour – on or off the field. We want to make it unequivocally clear that the Awesome FC does not support actions that compromise the respect and professionalism that define our sport,” the letter states.

A release from the SVGFRA on February 19, 2025, states that the “unfortunate incident” occurred shortly after the match played at 6:00 p.m in which Awesome FC was engaged in a match with another Premier Division team on February 18, 2025 “where a coach, who had been issued a red card for his insulting and abusive language and conduct in the technical area attacked a match official (4th official) attacked the referee.

The physical assault on Lewis, prompted the members of the Referees Association to withdraw their services, until certain security measures were put in place.

From its end, Awesome FC gave the assurance that it will cooperate with any investigation.

“ We trust that the appropriate authorities will conduct a fair and thorough review of the situation, and we will fully cooperate with any necessary proceedings to ensure that the integrity of the game is upheld,” the Club said.

“ Please rest assured that we remain committed to fostering a culture of respect and discipline within our club, and we will take any internal measures necessary to reinforce this standard among our staff and players”, Awesome FC promised.

“If there is anything further that we can do to support the well-being of those affected, please do not hesitate to let us know. We appreciate the dedication and hard work of the refereeing community and remain committed to maintaining a positive and professional relationship with your association”, the letter has assured.

Meanwhile, a release from the Secretariat of the St Vincent and the Grenadines Football Federation (SVGFF) on Friday, February 21, revealed that at an executive meeting it held on Thursday, February 20, 2025 with the Referees Association and security personnel, a security plan for the remainder of the championships has been drafted.

“We fully support the St Vincent and the Grenadines Referees Association (SVGRA) and remain committed to ensuring the safety and well- being of all match officials, players and spectators. Football thrives on respect, discipline and fair-play, and any attempt to intimidate or harm referees will not be tolerated under any circumstances,” the Federation stated in its release.

SEARCHLIGHT was informed that a Memorandum of Understanding will be signed between the SVGFF and the SVG Referees Association, that will pave the way for the restart of the National Club Championships.