A BRAVE REMO: I AM THANKFUL THAT GFA DID NOT INVITE MINISTERS FOR MATCH AT
FATORDAThursday - Dec 1, 2011PANJIM: A diplomat is one who chooses right words
and more importantly right platform to express his views, if he has any,
otherwise however good, likeable or outspoken he may be—he always ends up in
hurting someone’s sentiments. And this is exactly what our very own Goan
musician and singer Remo Fernandes has done to many with his remark against
ministers during the prize distribution ceremony after India-Zambia friendly
match at Nehru stadium, Fatorda, on Tuesday. "I am thankful to GFA for not
inviting the ministers for the India-Zambia international friendly match,"
Remo, who was the chief guest, had commented. And this very comment of his has
not gone down well with some of the members of the GFA Executive Committee and
some affiliated clubs. GFA vice-president, Mr Lavinio Rebello has strongly
criticised Remo for using a football platform to express his views against
politicians. "Remo, who is a renowned musician and one of the most respected
personalities of Goa, was not at all expected to give such an irresponsible
statement that too during a prize distribution ceremony of an international
match," fumed Mr Lavinio. The GFA vice-president has hit back at Remo saying
that the renowned singer ignored to acknowledge the respect GFA accorded to him
and instead raised the issue of corruption. "When invited as a chief guest,
Remo was expected to speak something about Goan football or GFA but the
self-assumed singer used the platform to vent his anger against ministers," he
said. Mr Lavinio, however, was quite honest in admitting that GFA hugely rely
on government vis-à-vis SAG who provides them grounds to conduct their football
tournaments. He also mentioned the support which the GFA received from the
chief minister, sports minister and PWD minister for conducting the Zambia
matches. "The visit of Zambian football team for two exhibition matches was
made possible only because the government headed by Chief Minister Digambar
Kamat was sporting enough to grant `50 lakh for the visit," he said. Stating
that Remo’s comment was uncalled for, Mr Lavinio has sought for a public
apology from the renowned musician cum singer, and his demand for an apology
has been supported by some football clubs. "Irresponsible statement should not
be made by anybody and no person has an authority to make irresponsible
statements without proof," Mr Lavinio reacted in anger. - NT
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