This Is Guernsey

By James Falla

RANGERS have withdrawn from the Deloitte Corbet Cup following their 35-0 defeat in Youth Three at the weekend. ‘We have got a squad but we don’t think they’re good enough to compete at that level,’ said Rangers’ Mac Gallienne yesterday.

‘We want to protect our kids from that sort of hiding. I don’t think it’s any good for them or good for football - something’s got to be done about it.’

The 35-0 defeat by North in the under-14s league - where a goal was scored every two minutes - has been widely condemned by the footballing fraternity this week.

But GFA director with responsibility for youth and development, Chris Schofield, has been unavailable for comment.

Vice-chairman Jeff Vidamour, who also takes responsibility for leagues, said yesterday that he had just returned to the island and was unaware of Rangers’ decision.

Gallienne said that the repercussions of such a result went beyond the football pitch.

‘I think it’s disgusting. These kids come to Rangers, we get a squad together, it’s their first season together, only their second game, and we get this.

‘The kids were beside themselves afterwards. It’s not only what happens on the field, it’s the abuse they’ll get at school too. It’s not right for kids to do that and we’re not prepared to put them in that situation.’

Gallienne added that the club had also considered withdrawing from Youth Three, but resisted the idea.

A meeting is being held next week at the club where the issue will be discussed again.

The Corbet Cup squad will play matches in the friendly structure organised by the GFA for reserves from other clubs.

North Youth Three coach John Le Sauvage admitted he and his side were ‘not too happy’ about Sunday’s match.

‘I don’t think it did anybody any good at all,’ he said.

‘We spoke about what to do at half time, but we thought to show them respect we would keep playing the same way.’

n Bels yesterday denied reports that they, too, had quit the Corbet Cup.

President Hilary Sarre said that the club had asked the GFA for more time to prepare a side for the competition and were ready to lose points if necessary until they felt they could raise a team.

The club is short on numbers and experience at that level.

‘We have asked for a delay in our fixtures until November. We’ve been told we may not be able to do that and may lose points, but there’s no point in running out until we’re ready,’ he said.

Article posted on 27th September, 2007 - 12.00am