Sport

FAW FACE ACTION OVER BRIDGE MEADOW BLUNDER

Published

8 years ago

December 14, 2015

Bemused: Kazakhstan’s players look to each other in confusion

THE FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION OF WALES (FAW) face disciplinary action after the Kazakhstan national anthem was not played before the UEFA Women’s Euro 2017 qualifier at the Conygar Bridge Meadow on Thursday, November 26. Alarm bells were set ringing when the Welsh anthem was played first, as it is customary to play the visiting teams anthem before the hosts, but when a lengthy delay occurred it was apparent to all in the ground that a problem had arisen.

A panicked scuffle could be heard over the PA system before the opening notes of the Welsh anthem were played again, sparking muffled laughter in the stands. An embarrassed Haverfordwest official then announced that he was ‘very sorry, but there appears to be a problem with the Kazakhstan anthem.’

This left the referee Tanja Subotic to encourage the visiting players to sing ‘acappella’, much to the dismay of manager Kaloyan Petkov, who waved his arms in disgust at the bemused UEFA officials. This has led UEFA to open disciplinary proceedings against the Welsh FA, with the European football governing body also opening proceedings because fans were stood around the pitch, when all international games have to have all spectators seated.

This was also a subject of embarrassment for Haverfordwest as an announcement came over the PA system several times during the game urging fans to take their seats, with a desperate tone coming across in some of the latter appeals. It was apparent though, that despite these pleas, numerous spectators were not going to be made to move to a seat, however at no moment did it appear that a steward approached those standing in order to encourage them to move to the stands.

It is unclear whether the incidents will affect Bridge Meadow’s chances of hosting future international games. UEFA will make its decision on 10 December and the FAW has declined to comment until it knows the outcome. It is not the first time that the Kazakhstan anthem has been the subject of a gaffe at a sporting venue.

In 2012, the Kazakhstan national shooting team was left stunned after a comedy national anthem from the film Borat was played at a medal ceremony at championships in Kuwait instead of the real one. Wales’ win at the Bridge Meadow Stadium, which included a hat-trick for Helen Ward, was their first of the Euro 2017 qualifying campaign and saw them climb up to third place in Group 8.

News

70 Pembrokeshire clubs benefit from Sport Wales funding

Published

4 hours ago

April 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

SEVENTY Pembrokeshire clubs have been successful in receiving grants from the Be Active Wales Fund over the last financial year.

In total the clubs received more than £407,800 from the grants scheme from Sport Wales in 2023/24.

The fund backed 25 different sports, ranging from archery, basketball and cricket to sailing, short mat bowls and weightlifting and everything in between.

The Be Active Wales Fund is open to applications from not for profit community clubs and groups to help develop and sustain their activities.

Grants range from a minimum of £300 up to a maximum of £50,000.

The scheme will support coach education courses, the purchase of essential items of equipment right up to larger projects such as floodlighting and boats for sailing clubs.

For advice and support with your application contact Alan Jones or Lois Hilling at Pembrokeshire County Council’s Sports Development department, Sport Pembrokeshire on [email protected]

The Be Active Wales Fund is always open for applications.

More information is available on the Sport Wales website.

Sport

Clarby stand in the way of Goodwick double

Published

18 hours ago

April 24, 2024

Herald Sport

Two thrilling semi finals last weekend has meant Goodwick United and Clarbeston Road will meet in the senior cup final this coming Saturday.

Goodwick faced Pennar Robins in their semi final who pushed the champions very hard. Carl Vincent will be disappointed but proud of the Robins as they gave a great account of themselves. However in the end Goodwick’s quality and experience just was too much for Vincent’s team.

The other semi was an absolute thriller, and after a nail biting game Matthew Fox’ Clarby progressed to the final. A offside call has sparked a lot of debate around the county. However it seems that linesman Jenkins made an absolute perfect call so credit to him for that.

Both teams would have wanted a nice week of preparation for the final, maybe without any games to play. Unfortunately this hasn’t been possible due to the fixture backlog and both outfits have played already this week.

Goodwick will be favourites of course, however if anyone can upset the apple cart Saturday it’s this Clarbeston Road team. Fox’ outfit have impressed over and over this season. Without too much pressure on them, they are in a good place going into the final.

The double at one staged looked like the minimum Goodwick would be aiming for this season. However losses in other cup competitions, means its Senior Cup success or just the league title for the outstanding team of the season. Oddly becoming champions with no cup success maybe seen as a huge disappointment considering their dominance this season. A unique pressure. However if anyone can handle that pressure it’s O’Sullivans outfit.

Sport

Swifts eyes on double.

Published

3 days ago

April 22, 2024

Herald Sport

Monkton Swifts reserves have blown away the second division this season and now have the double in their sights. They face Merlins Bridge reserves in the semi final of the second division cup and lived up to their favourites tag.

Swifts won comfortably with key player Butland getting three assists and Josh Sture grabbing a brace. Waterman and Rhys Sture added the other goals as outstanding Monkton won 4-0.

Herbrandston and Johnston played in the other semi final and this was a much harder fixture to call. The promoted Herbie a younger and perhaps less physical outfit in comparison to the Tigers. Johnston quickly took control of the game when they found themselves two up after just 29 minutes.

However when Scott Murray was shown a red card just eight minutes later, Herbie would have been confident of staging a comeback. Despite being a man light, Johnston held Herbie until the final minute of the 90, when Alex Ouzman gave Herbie late hope. The Tigers held firm however and progress to the final where they will be underdogs. A tag that I’m sure the players and manager Steven Allen won’t mind too much.