National captain Roy Krishna has downplayed on-field flare-ups between players and supporters, describing them as part of the intensity of the game while stressing that relationships off the pitch remain friendly.
“When you cross the white line, it’s a different story,” Krishna said, noting that tensions can run high during big matches but that many players are team-mates at national level and their bonds are like family once the match ends.
The remarks follow a heated Extra Battle of the Giants final in which Labasa beat Rewa 2-1 at Subrail Park. The match was briefly paused after Rewa substitute Daniel Shankar received a yellow card for taunting fans from the bench, and some spectators reportedly threw water and bottles toward the Rewa players after a goal. Match officials threatened to abandon the fixture before order was restored; Fiji Football Association chief executive Mohammed Yusuf later appealed to the crowd to calm down so the game could finish.
Rewa’s management acknowledged Shankar had “taken it too far,” describing him as young and learning. The club asked supporters to remember his age, support his recovery from injury and allow him to come back stronger and play with pride.
Labasa responded by defending its fans and calling for greater sportsmanship from rivals. The club urged all supporters to “rise above excuses” and to be gracious in defeat and humble in victory, while also criticizing Rewa for perceived provocations, including past social-media taunts and incidents where players jumped fences to confront spectators.
Context: Rewa had been in strong form during the tournament, recording a notable 6-0 win over defending champions Lautoka earlier in the competition, underscoring how emotionally charged this tournament run had been for both clubs.
Comments and suggestions
– High-stakes local derbies often produce intense scenes; stronger stewarding, clearer crowd-control measures and swift disciplinary action for repeat offenders can help prevent future escalations.
– Clubs should coordinate unified messaging before and after matches reminding fans and players of conduct expectations. Joint statements and community outreach — for example, mixed training sessions or fan forums with players — can rebuild goodwill.
– Match-day security and FFA protocols should be reviewed to ensure officials can protect players and spectators while still allowing matches to conclude safely.
Logical explanation
– Emotional outbursts at big matches commonly stem from a mix of local rivalry, pride, and the high stakes of finals. When players and fans come from the same communities or share national-team bonds, post-match reconciliation is usually easier; the challenge is keeping that mutual respect intact during the heat of competition.
Summary
Roy Krishna urged perspective after a tense Extra Battle of the Giants final that saw Labasa defeat Rewa 2-1 at Subrail Park. The game was halted briefly when Rewa substitute Daniel Shankar was booked for taunting and spectators threw items toward players. Rewa asked for patience with the young player, while Labasa called for maturity and defended its fans. Officials intervened to restore order and the FFA appealed for calm.
Hopeful angle
While the incidents are a reminder that passions run high, the quick return to cordial relations that Krishna describes — and the fact that many of the players share national-team ties — suggests the episode can be a learning moment rather than a lasting rift. With clearer protocols and cooperative action from clubs and supporters, future matches can keep the excitement of local football without compromising safety or sportsmanship.
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