Football match officials have spoken of their concerns after the gun violence afflicting the community spilled over into a mass shooting at a Premier League match Sunday.
“What is this island coming to, when a person can open fire during a football match with women, children and the elderly in the crowd?” one match official who was present at the game asked.
The incident at Ed Bush Stadium in West Bay saw seven people taken to hospital with gunshot wounds while hundreds in the crowd were sent scrambling for cover.
The reason behind the shooting is unclear, but match officials believe it had nothing to do with football.
“An argument started over by the corner near the bathroom where the guys are often smoking weed,” said the official, who asked not to be named.
He added, “I heard loud gun shots that must have been in the double digits.”
He told the Compass the main victim fell less than six feet away from him.
As the crowd rushed to the exit, he said he was saddened to think that the violence in the community had spilled onto the pitch, and the beautiful game was now tainted with blood.
Since the start of 2024, there has been one fatal shooting, several armed robberies and other violent incidents during which gunshots were discharged.
According to a 911 dispatch spokesperson, a lone gunman is believed to be responsible for Sunday night’s shooting. No arrests have been made at this time.
Shooting could hamper growth of game
The official says he now fears that the shooting could hamper years of efforts to grow attendance and community participation in football. He also believes the violence could deter players and officials from taking part.
“I’m not sure we can have a game back here next week,” he said. “I mean, if I was the person assigned to the cover the game rostered for Ed Bush next week I’m sure I would have strong hesitations before attending.”
Another question that is now on his mind and several other officials, is whether CIFA will have to partner with police to have officers present at the games.
“Today was a shooting, but it didn’t just happen over night. For years people have been coming to the games, fighting or drinking and behaving disorderly or even smoking weed,” said another match official who also asked not to be named.
The official recalled scrambling to the restroom facilities when the shots rang out on Sunday.
“These are all crimes, some larger than others, but its small crimes like these that lead to incidents like what happened tonight,” they said. “Match officials, even the ones who are police, can’t police the crowd and the game at the same time, so we need police support to take care of the criminal actions while we focus on the game.”
A few years back, when CIFA referees were attacked in a string of games, police were called out to the matches. The security they provided, coupled with the stiff penalties imposed by CIFA, saw those attacks stop immediately.
“But that police presence was short-lived,” said the first match official. “Maybe it’s time to bring them back, after all if this was a shooting during a Premier League match in somewhere like the UK, this would make international headlines.”
He added, “It would be swiftly dealt with and the appropriate safety measures put in place, and it should be no different here.”
Anyone with information is encouraged to call 911 or the West Bay Police Station 949-3999
Anonymous tips can be provided directly to the RCIPS via a confidential tip line at 949-7777, or via its website or through Cayman Crime Stoppers online.
Related Videos
I hope the authorities and general public realize that ongoing criminal activity needs to be eliminated. This was a problem before it spilled into a football game. Cayman has had very strict gun control measures in effect for decades. They have helped make the islands as attractive and prosperous as they are today. The incident at the stadium would probably ended up as a shouting match or fist fight if there hadn’t been at least one gun involved.
I would hate to see Cayman deteriorate to the level of the United States where mass shootings are abundant.