FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Premier League of Belize Conducts Assault on Match Official

Announces Immediate Security Measures


The Premier League of Belize (PLB) strongly condemns the unacceptable and deeply troubling
incident that happened on the night of Thursday, December 4th at the Marion Jones Sporting
Complex in Belize City, following the match between Port Layola FC and Progresso FC,
After the conclusion of the match, a match official was physically assaulted by an individual, an
act that represents a direct attack on the integrity of the sport and the safety of those who
serve it. PLB expresses its full solidarity with the referee involved and wishes him a swift and
complete recovery.
Violence in football, whether directed at players, officials, staff, or fans has absolutely no place
in our league or in Belizean sports. The PLB will not tolerate such misconduct under any
circumstance, and those responsible must face the appropriate legal and disciplinary
consequences.
We commend the quick intervention of the Belize Police Department, whose prompt response
prevented the situation from escalating further. We also extend appreciation to match
personnel and security staff who acted responsibly and professionally amid the disturbance.
Immediate Measures to Strengthen Matchday Security.
To ensure that incidents of this nature do not occur again, the Premier League of Belize will
implement the following mandatory measures with immediate effect:

  1. Increased Security Personnel
    All PLB-sanctioned matches will require:
  • A higher minimum number of security / police officers than what was required in the
    semi-finals matches.
  • Mandatory minimum number of police presence for high-risk matches that will be
    ascertained in the technical meeting prior to the match.
  1. Controlled Access Zones
    The league will enforce strict separation between:
  • Players and match officials
  • Spectators
  • Technical staff
  • Exit and entry’ points
    No unauthorized individual will be permitted in or around the match officials’ pathway, dressing
    rooms, or transportation areas.
  1. Enhanced Post-Match Protocols
    Referees and match officials will now be escorted off the field and off the facility by designated
    security until they have safely departed the venue.
  2. Zero-Tolerance Policy for Misconduct
    Any club, member, supporter, or individual found responsible for violent acts or actions that
    incite violence will face sanctions, which may include:
  • Stadium bans
  • Fines
  • Match suspensions
  • Referral to law enforcement
    The PLB Disciplinary Committee will meet urgently to review all reports related to this incident
    and apply the regulations to the fullest extent.
  1. Mandatory Security Review by Host Clubs
    All host clubs must immediately submit:
  • Updated stadium security plans
  • Crowd-control procedures
  • Emergency response protocols
    Clubs that fail to comply will not be allowed to host matches until they meet league standards.
    Commitment to Safety and Integrity
    The Premier League of Belize remains fully committed to ensuring a safe environment for all
    participants. The league will continue working closely with the Football Federation of Belize (FFB),
    clubs, the Referees Department, and law enforcement to protect the integrity of the game and
    maintain order at all PLB events.
    We urge all supporters to uphold the principles of sportsmanship and respect that define football
    globally and to help foster a safe and positive environment for everyone involved.