Tight security for JPL - PFJL wants police to prosecute anyone who attends games

Chairman of Professional Football Jamaica Limited (PFJL) Christopher Williams is warning football fans that security will be very tight during this year's Jamaica Premier League (JPL) matches, which is scheduled to be held at the National Stadium and Sabina Park facilities.

The JPL, which recently received the green light from the Government to go ahead this year, will be held without spectators as part of the Government's strict Covid 19 protocols for the return of the sport.

Williams told STAR Sports that his organisation will be taking no chances, as both the venues will be heavily secured by private security as well as police personnel during matches.

"The gates will be locked, and so what we will do is to have security around the perimeter so that nobody tries to breach protocols," said Williams.

No open gate

"There will be no open gates, and so the only gates will be opened are the ones to receive the teams and therefore, no spectator gates will be opened.

"We will be requesting police presence, and so it will be depending upon them to prosecute persons if they are found to be in breach of the restrictions."

The PFJL boss also pointed out that his organisation is currently in discussions with a private security entity about sponsoring championships. Once this is wrapped up they will be making an announcement.

"We are asking spectators to follow the guidelines and respect the protocols that have been agreed on with the Government, which includes no spectators; and we have made significant provision to have games televised live both on television, cable, streaming, and on radio," Williams said.

"We are seeking sponsorship for it (security), and we are in discussions with an entity at this time and we hope to make an announcement this week," he said.

Meanwhile, Williams noted that the start date and fixtures for this year's competition will be announced later this week.

The JPL will be making a return to the island after last year's competition was ruled null and void by the Jamaica Football Federation because of the upsurge in Covid 19 cases in Jamaica.