In a letter sent to the GFF and copied to The Pointsports, the SJAG said: “We are journalists and professionals in our own right and we deserved to be given the maximum respect like any other professional in any sector.
“We (sports journalists) are totally disappointed and shocked by the uncalled for attitude and act by the Gambia Football Federation executive that has always described the media as their key partner. Your Sunday’s action totally contradicts what you (GFF) always preach.
“The executive of the SJAG has the interest of its members at heart, and anything that shows disrespect and disregard towards the sports journalists is something the SJAG will not compromise any more.
“The executive committee is entrusted with the affairs of steering the affairs of the association and to stand to defend the interest and welfare of our members. The Sports Journalists have renewed their unity against such move by the GFF.
“Going further, the GFF must understand that it is the journalists that promote the development of the game and their programmes at our own cost. We dedicate our air time and spaces on our newspapers to the cause of sports development and football, in particular.
“Little does the GFF know about what the journalists go through to attend their (GFF) function and have the public inform what the GFF and the game of football is all about.
“It is often said ‘Do not take someone’s patience for weakness’ but we are emphasising that enough is enough and the sports journalists will no longer be taken for granted by any sports association, GFF in particular.
“Some of us (sports journalists) have travelled and covered international events and there is nowhere in the world where journalists are evicted from the media tribune just for the sake of so-called VIPs.
“The journalists are the ones that cover and report all the proceeding of the game for the public but how do you expect the journalists to report accurately if they are not watching the game from the right position.
“Once again, we are putting it to the GFF that it was inappropriate to suggest an alternative sitting arrangement for the press from the media tribune, something that was a clear indication that we were not thought of or looked low upon.
“All those VIPs came to the stadium because of the media campaign on the airwaves and newspapers, at the cost to the GFF.
“Enough is enough!! The Sports Journalists of The Gambia have renewed their unity and, henceforth, are ready and willing to adhere to the challenges of the trade.
“We acknowledge your press release sent to us as individuals in various media houses apologising.
“However, SJAG is yet to receive any apology to that effect as a body overseeing all sports journalists.
“We, therefore, demand that the media tribune is maintained for the press and, at no cost, will the sports journalists be allowed to be relocated anywhere else in the stadium beside the media tribune.
“The executive of SJAG is suggesting a meaningful dialogue in time before the next home international game.
“As your partners in the development of the game, we hope and pray that this will be the last of such an experience for all concerned.”
