FAMILIES who like watching local football matches at the Stad Linite will be relieved now that the Seychelles Football Federation has announced that it is taking measures to prevent verbal abuse and insults by supporters at the matches. On several occasions decent supporters had called upon the Federation to do something so that children can also enjoy watching football matches uninterrupted instead of listening to the vulgar language of people with no sense of courtesy and respect for others.
For a long time now parents who enjoy local football matches have had to either go by themselves or do not go at all due to the level of insults and vulgarity coming from some supporters. The stands which are supposed to seat supporters had been taken over by people who had no business being at the premises because instead of giving support to their teams there were numerous exchange of insults and verbal abuse directed very often at the players or officials on the field.
Hopefully now with the presence of more policemen at the Stad Linite and the sanctions that will be imposed on anyone found guilty of such offences, supporters will learn how to behave themselves at sports venues instead of acting like hooligans. Other sports federations and associations such as basketball and volleyball should also adopt the same measures as they also face similar behaviour at venues especially when top teams meet.
Finally, all local managers and coaches should also get on board and ensure that their own players or their officials do not incite their supporters into such behaviour. There have been numerous occasions where supporters had gone wild due to the behaviour of players and managers. So team leaders should lead by example by showing respect to others so that it can be reciprocated.