Suva (Fiji Times) – FOOTBALL players need to be more disciplined and update themselves with the new laws of the game.
During the 2016 Vodafone Fiji FACT pool matches in Labasa last weekend players were indisciplined and not well versed with the laws of the game.
Experienced players such as Lautoka’s Valerio Nawatu, Ilaitia Tuilau Nadi’s Ilimotama Jese, Ba defender Avinesh Suwamy and Samuela Kautoga were all sent off for bad behaviour.
National coach Frank Farina said it was the responsibility of the district teams to improve on the discipline of the players.
“All the district teams who had their players sent off should take up the responsibility of talking about discipline to the players. They should hold them accountable for what happened. It is not the national team to do that,” Farina said.
“Every team has to actually teach discipline.
“Since the time I have been in Fiji national team there was no red cards in the national team. In the OFC Nations Cup there were three yellow cards in three different matches. When I see that at Fiji FACT I really do not know why players react that way.”
He also questioned the districts as what were they doing to address the issue.
“Do the districts instill discipline in their players and talk about it. We can talk about national team or any players but it is the obligation that club needs to do. Anyone can talk about mental coaching but at the end the players learn discipline from where they are coached full time,” he added.
“One should not do stupid things like arguing with referees. The referees are in charge of the matches and their job is difficult. No player should talk to the referees except for the captains which is the FIFA law.”
Meanwhile, Fiji under-23 team will march back into the camp on July 4 for Olympic Games preparation.
