BEATEN BARBADOS have another battle with Trinidad and Tobago, but it will be in the Caribbean Football Unions (CFU) boardroom and not on the football field.
The host country for the just-concluded Digicel Caribbean Cup finals have made a complaint about the composition of Trinidad and Tobagos team in Thursdays decisive match at the National Stadium.
In calling for fair play, Barbados coach Mark Doherty wants Trinidad and Tobago to pay the penalty if they are found to be in breach of the tournament rules.
Unknown to many, Trinidad and Tobago flew in two new players from outside their original 18-member squad, and played both to boost their teams chances of beating Barbados in the all-important battle for third place.
In addition, Doherty is claiming the Trinidadians, who won the match 3-2 to secure third place and the final berth in the CONCACAF Gold Cup, also named an ineligible footballer among their substitutes.
We registered a complaint (with match commissioner Chet Greene) because initially when we looked at the team sheet there was a black box which signifies that a player was ineligible. I am not sure why he was ineligible, but that (black box) was on the team sheet, Doherty said.
Investigations by the Saturday Sun revealed that veteran Trinidad and Tobagos midfielder David Nakhid was initially banned for verbal abuse of a referee, but this suspension was subsequently dropped and he was fined US$2 000, allowing him to suit up.
However, the major bone of contention is that Trinidad and Tobago flew in two other players, Nigel Henry and Dwayne Jack at the very last minute and both started in Thursdays crucial match.
We realised from the meetings, the manager had stated that if a player had to be replaced, only one could be used, and we are under the impression, that two were used tonight (Thursday), Doherty said after the match.
At the moment it is under protest and we have to look into it, but be guaranteed that we will look into it thoroughly, Doherty added. Barbados were considering filing an official protest yesterday to commissioner Greene.
Doherty believes that if Trinidad and Tobago fouled up, then the whistle should be blown on them and it should have nothing to do with whether they have high-ranking officials at the CFU level.
So if the rules are stretched or bent for Trinidad, then it doesnt go well for the CFU and it doesnt go well for Caribbean football. But I am sure that the tournament, the way it has been run and the professional manner that it has been approached, if any rule has been breached, then the proper thing will be done, Doherty said.
Henry replaced Marlon Rogas, while Jack was brought in for Cyd Gray.
To compound matters, a high-ranking official of the Barbados Football Association (BFA) said a replacement was initially sought for striker Nigel Pierre and this was approved.
However, he was subsequently informed prior to the match that two new players were coming in and that it was no longer Pierre who was being replaced.
Barbados had been given permission to replace goalkeeper Bernard Howell who was injured in the first match against Cuba, but after he made a speedy recovery this option was turned down.