Discipline is widely recognized as a key aspect of sports, especially football.
Thus the recent clashes at the 2012 Super Nawettan finals between Bakau and Brikama were a very unfortunate development.
The match ended in violence at the Serrekunda East Mini Stadium on December 22, and we understood that it resulted in many people being injured.
This is not what one expects from the beautiful game of football, and we are, therefore, calling on all fans to always exercise discipline before, during and after matches.
In fact, it has been said that no personal success, achievement, or goal can be realized without self discipline.
It is singularly the most important attribute needed to achieve any type of personal excellence, athletic excellence, virtuosity in the arts, or otherwise outstanding performance.
While we do not want to take any side in the case, we must make it clear to both sides that there is absolute need for both Bakau and Brikama fans to maintain discipline throughout football matches.
Bakau just emerging from a ban should have avoided being involved in any form of violence that could give them a bad name in Gambian football.
The decisions taken by our referees must also be respected at all times, if we want to nurture and maintain discipline in sports.
Finally, we urge the football authorities to do a proper investigation of the matter, and punish any fan or team(s) found wanting for unruly behaviour.
