TTFA vows to investigate “unacceptable behaviour” at Women’s qualifier; apologises to referees and Honduras U17s

Editor Saturday 1 February 2025 Global Football, Local Football, National Football, Volley 1 Comment

Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) president Kieron Edwards condemned the “unacceptable behaviour” by some football supporters at the Ato Boldon Stadium last night, after objects were thrown at match officials as they attempted to return to their dressing room.

The incident followed Trinidad and Tobago’s 1-0 loss to Honduras in a 2025 Concacaf Women’s Under-17 qualifier, which threatened to eliminate the host team.

Photo: Referee Glenda Lopez (second from left) leads out officials (from left) Delia Vega, Portia Davis and Mayling Chavarria for a crucial Concacaf Women’s U-17 Championship Qualifier between Trinidad and Tobago and Honduras at the Ato Boldon Stadium on 31 January 2025.
Copyright: Daniel Prentice/ Wired868.

However, results elsewhere went the way of the young Women Soca Warriors who still advanced as one of the best second placed finishers.

Referee Glenda Lopez, a Guatemalan, faced the ire of the partisan crowd for a few questionable decisions—including booking Trinidad and Tobago forward Orielle Martin when she was the victim of a shove by opposing captain Yensi Ferrara and failing to stamp out repeated incidents of gamesmanship by the Honduran team.

It was a difficult game to officiate, though, with plenty at stake in a scrappy, physical affair. And Lopez’s decisions did not ostensibly change the outcome of the match.

As Lopez, assistants Deliva Vega and Mayling Chavarria and fourth official Portia Davis attempted to exit the playing area after the final whistle, some supporters threw ice cubes and a plastic water bottle in their direction—forcing the officials to scamper back to the running track.

Photo: Trinidad and Tobago forward Orielle Martin (centre) complains to referee Glenda Lopez (right) while Honduras defender Ilsy Sevilla stands guard during Concacaf Women’s U-17 Championship qualifying action at the Ato Boldon Stadium on 31 January 2025.
Copyright: Nicholas Bhajan/ Wired868.

Edwards, via a TTFA press release, vowed to punish those responsible.

“The TTFA has launched a formal investigation into the incident and is working closely with the relevant authorities to ensure that those responsible are held accountable,” said the local football president.

“We wish to remind all football supporters that respect, fair play, and good sportsmanship must always be upheld, both on and off the field.”

The TTFA offered apologies to the officials involved as well as to the Honduras team.

Photo: Spectators vent at match officials after Trinidad and Tobago’s 1-0 defeat to Honduras in Concacaf U-17 Championship qualifying action at the Ato Boldon Stadium on 31 January 2025.
Copyright: Daniel Prentice/ Wired868.

“We are deeply disappointed that emotions in the stands escalated to the point where match officials, including Guatemalan referee Glenda Lopez and her team, were subjected to objects being thrown at them as they attempted to exit the field,” stated the TTFA.

“Such actions have no place in football, and we unequivocally denounce any behaviour that compromises the safety and integrity of the game.

“[…] We extend our sincere apologies to the officiating team and the visiting Honduran squad, who experienced this unfortunate incident.”

Photo: Honduras players attempt to pressure Guatemalan referee Glenda Lopez into a decision during Concacaf U-17 Championship qualifying action against Trinidad and Tobago at the Ato Boldon Stadium on 31 January 2025.
Copyright: Daniel Prentice/ Wired868.

Trinidad and Tobago is scheduled to host a Concacaf Women’s Under-20 Qualifying group next month. Edwards said they will do their utmost to prevent a repeat of such behaviour.

“Trinidad and Tobago has a proud footballing tradition, and we must all do our part to create an environment that is safe, welcoming, and reflective of our nation’s love for the game,” he said.

“Moving forward, the TTFA will take all necessary steps to prevent a recurrence of such behavior, including increased security measures and stronger enforcement of spectator conduct policies at future events.

Photo: Trinidad and Tobago supporters react to action on the field during their Concacaf U-17 Championship qualifying clash with Honduras at the Ato Boldon Stadium on 31 January 2025.
Copyright: Daniel Prentice/ Wired868.

“We appeal to the public to support our teams with passion but always with respect. Football is a sport that unites communities and nations, and we urge all fans to embrace the spirit of fair play.

“Let us work together to ensure that our stadiums remain places of celebration, not conflict.”