1 year ago
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AFTER LAST week’s ugly bottle-throwing incident during the Jamaica Premier League (JPL) semi-final between Cavalier and Arnett Gardens, the Professional Football Jamaica Limited (PFJL) will implement a no-glass-bottle policy for today’s Super Final between Cavalier and Mount Pleasant at the National Stadium.
This will be preceded by the third-place playoff at 3 p.m., with Arnett against Waterhouse, and a concert with Rvssian and friends between matches.
According to PFJL CEO Owen Hill, all concessionaires have been made aware and are mandated to arrive at the venue before gates open at 1 p.m. to undergo inspection of their wares. On inspection, all prohibited items will be confiscated.
He also noted that if these restricted items do get past security, and patrons are caught with those items inside the venue, they will be thrown out.
“There is a zero-bottle policy. So concessionaires and vendors have a time they have to reach the stadium, and we will ensure that anything that is contraband-related will be stopped and confiscated early enough.
“Also, if we have information that those things are in the stadium, those persons will be removed from the stadium,” he said.
He noted that while patrons will be allowed to consume their favourite drink while they enjoy the evening, those drinks will be served in cups.
“Bottles will be at a minimum if any at all. We will only be pouring in cups. The vendors and concessionaires have been made aware of what the protocols are. So we expect a smoother ride on Sunday.”
According to Hill, the misunderstanding over the use of the match ball, which delayed the start of one of the semi-finals for eight minutes last week, will not be repeated, with all parties agreeing to use the balls provided by the PFJL.
Also, with the help of the stadium management team, Hill expects a well-organised event.
“We had an organisation meeting, and the teams are made aware of the rules that guide our operations.
“Logistically, we are working, and luckily, we have the expertise of the stadium management, and they are helping us to guide the proceedings
“So from a logistics and security standpoint, we are in good standing. So we should be in for a good treat.”
The evening promises a full entertainment package as the PFJL will honour iconic producer Rvssian, who will be in concert with some of his biggest hitmakers.
He also called on the supporters of both teams to be on their best behaviour and make it an occasion to remember.
“The quality on the pitch will be great and then we will be merging dancehall with football, and the entertainment side will augment the football. So it will be sport and entertainment, which is an easy balance because there is a symbiotic relationship between both.
“But we are looking for everyone coming out and supporting the product in the best way because this is a win for football in Jamaica. We want to build the culture of football in our country,” he said.
English (US) ·