USLS threatens to pull out from Under-19 tilt

Unless there is a change in venue and proper security measures are put in place, the University of St. La Salle won't be playing in the finals of the NOFA Provincial Men's Under-19 Football Championships.

La Salle coach Freddie Lazarito said this yesterday in the wake of their semifinal victory over home team Bago City that was marred by crowd trouble Sunday.

“My players could have suffered serious injuries or died there,” Lazarito said. “We will only play if they change the venue and ensure the security of our players”.

Referee Catalino Valderrama Jr. called off the match with four minutes left and La Salle leading, 2-0, after angry spectators went down from the stands and charged at the USLS players.

Valderrama said the melee was instigated by Bago player Rey Boy Sacapaño, who attacked Lee Von Lobaton, after both players were sent off for punching each other moments earlier.

Valderrama said there were about 100 people who charged at the La Salle players, who had to run to different directions to escape further violence.

Roger Banzuela, the La Salle varsity sports director, also called for proper security measures to ensure the safety of their players.

NOFA coordinator Pauline Javelona said the organizing committee has yet to decide on the venue of the finals as well as the pending quarterfinal match between San Carlos and Don Bosco Technical Institute, which has been postponed indefinitely.

The winner of the San Carlos-DBTI tiff will meet West Negros College in the semifinals for the right to battle La Salle for the crown.*CPT

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