Sorry coach: Joevin and Cyrus return to P/League action after apologies

Lasana Liburd Tuesday 8 October 2013 Local Football, Volley 1 Comment

DIRECTV W Connection and Trinidad and Tobago starlets Joevin Jones and Daneil Cyrus have formally apologised to their club and the Trinidad and Tobago national football team’s technical staff after being penalised for playing minor league football in Carenage.

Jones and Cyrus, who were the club’s captain and vice-captain respectively, were fined one month’s salary and given a two-match ban by Connection. The two 22-year-old players were also stripped of their responsibilities as captain and vice-captain.

Photo: W Connection midfielder Joevin Jones (right) holds off Arabe Unido midfielder Paul Roderick during CONCACAF Champions League action in Port of Spain. (Courtesy Wired868) — Photo: W Connection midfielder Joevin Jones (right) holds off Arabe Unido midfielder Paul Roderick during CONCACAF Champions League action in Port of Spain.
(Courtesy Wired868)

Wired868 received copies of letters of apology from both players.

“I want to take the time to apologise to the Trinidad and Tobago football committee, DIRECTV W Connection and to all my fans who have supported me throughout my season,” stated Jones. “I am really sorry for creating this situation… I know I should have known better than to take part in any minor league.

“I admit that I was wrong and can only say how sorry I am. I can promise you that this will not happen again because I have learnt from my mistake and thank you for giving me the opportunity to prove this to you.”

Cyrus followed suit.

“I wish to apologise for taking part in a minor league, as I know that I must respect that I am a professional player,” wrote Cyrus. “I have indeed (realised), that I have done an injustice to my club and the Trinidad and Tobago national team and, by extension, the public of Trinidad and Tobago.

“Please accept my apology for my unprofessional behaviour; this will not happen again.”

Photo: W Connection defender Daneil Cyrus attempts to avoid a tackle from a St Ann's Rangers player during Pro League action. (Courtesy Wired868) — Photo: W Connection defender Daneil Cyrus attempts to avoid a tackle from a St Ann’s Rangers player during Pro League action.
(Courtesy Wired868)

Jones and Cyrus were omitted from the “Soca Warriors” squad to face New Zealand on October 15 at the Hasely Crawford National Stadium. Trinidad and Tobago coach Stephen Hart told Wired868 that he wants to see more enthusiasm from both players towards representing their country.

However, the national door remains open to them in the future.

Jones was used off the bench last Friday in the First Citizens Cup semi-final, which Connection lost on penalties to Central FC. Cyrus was an unused substitute in that match.

The two players are expected to return to the Connection first team tonight when the “Savonetta Boys” play San Juan Jabloteh from 8 pm at the Ato Boldon Stadium in Couva.