Churchill Bros & referees: going beyond the realm of football HERALD SPORTS REPORTER PANJIM, OCT 21 The biggest irony about Churchill Bros Sports Club, created by six football-crazy brothers, is the refereeing conundrum. A team that the six Alemao brothers created in honour of their father a football referee of distinction quite ironically, finds itself perennially at loggerheads with the referees. Ever since 1991 when referee Agnelo Fernandes was assaulted, Churchill Bros Sports Club has had a long and infamous list of affairs with the referees. There is no doubt the Alemao brothers, Churchill in particular, are responsible not only for the renaissance in Goan football, but also selling Goa as a football destination after Kolkata. But their hardcore commitment to the teams cause has, at most times, gone beyond the realm of professional football. The referees have selectively targeted us. I know the mistakes referees commit since my father, too, was a referee and Ive seen him from close quarters, says Churchill Alemao, patron of the team. For a long time now, Churchill Bros have got away due to amateur handling of things in a professional set up, both by the Goa Football Association and All India Football Federation. Earlier this week, the GFA handed a years suspension to manager Danzie Ferrao and secretary Ciabro Alemao for the fracas that ensued at Tilak Maidan, Vasco. But, while the sentence may appear harsh to neutrals, that is the minimum the GFA could do. According to Article 29.2 (d) of the GFA constitution, any acts of indiscipline or incorrect behaviour can invite a suspension for a period up to three years. Churchills political prowess has melted the sternest of officials, reducing the GFA and AIFF into hapless watchers even though, in private, strict action has been advocated. The GFA constitution is also to blame. A mere Rs 5,000 fine for such an offence is among the prime reason that led to the formation of a Frankenstein called Churchill Bros. Churchills constant threat of withdrawal is another stumbling block. Take September 2003 for example. When the GFA slapped a show cause notice on Churchill for hitting assistant referee Benjamin DSilva, Churchill Bros threatened to withdraw the team from the Professional League, if the showcause against their patron was not withdrawn. In all fairness, Churchill should be given the respect he deserves. But, in a professional football set-up, there is no place for individually owned teams. Fransa-Pax Football Club, owned by Mickky Pacheco, is a perfect example of how a molehill can turn into a mountain at the slightest disagreement. They say when it comes to football, intelligent people act stupidly. But, neither stupidity nor football can be an excuse for hitting out at referees. http://oheraldo.in/pagedetails.asp?nid=3144&cid=2
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