THE national football captain Roy Krishna says altercations between players and spectators during the final are part of the game.
Krishna said tensions can run high during matches, but once the game is over, players and fans remain friends.
He said many players are also teammates on the national team, so their relationship is like a family.
“When you cross the white line, it’s a different story,”* he said. The final of the Extra Battle of the Giants was paused after Rewa player Daniel Shankar, who was on the bench, received a yellow card for teasing fans.
The situation got worse when some spectators threw water at players after a goal. In response to the situation, Rewa said Shankar took it too far and was still young and learning.
“We ask people to remember his age and support him as he grows and recovers from his injuries. We believe he will come back stronger and play with pride.”
Labasa said their fans should not be blamed for Rewa’s loss in the Extra Battle of Giants. “It’s time to rise above excuses and show the maturity, respect, and sportsmanship .
“Losses happen in football, but dignity lasts forever. Let’s be gracious in defeat, humble in Victory . You guys need lot of schooling.”
The team said they had also faced abuse on July 6 when they faced Rewa at Ratu Cakobau Park.
“The abuse our players copped and the Rewa Facebook admin deemed it important enough to go on live and taunt Labasa openly. Nobody batted an eyelid, when the shoe is on the other foot, then it hurts.”
The team said Rewa should teach their players not to jump the fence and start taunting fans, because it may not always end well