The crisis at Deportivo Cali is not only being felt internally, but also by its supporters, who have recently been involved in various acts of vandalism.
During the latest match held at the Palmaseca stadium, where ticket sales were restricted to subscribers only, another chapter of controversy unfolded, impacting Win Sports, the channel that holds the broadcasting rights for the BetPlay League 2024.
According to the sports channel, some reckless individuals “violently entered the area where our mobile unit was located and disrupted the normal course of our broadcast.”
This forced the broadcast to end while the match was in its 70th minute.
The incident undoubtedly sparked hundreds of reactions from fans and journalists alike, who expressed their solidarity with the Win Sports team.
Deportivo Cali vs. La Equidad
Photo:
Taken from X / @AsoDeporCali
Javier Hernández Bonnet’s message to Win Sports
One of the notable voices was that of journalist and current director of Gol Caracol, Javier Hernández Bonnet, who addressed the situation during the broadcast of the final match between DPR Korea and Japan for the U-20 Women’s World Cup.
Initially, Bonnet emphasized: “People feel reassured that they now have numbered tickets for a FIFA event, so they come and find their reserved seat, which is very different from what happens during local football matches; we must express this with great regret.”
Later, he commented on the events in Palmaseca: “Let this serve as a word of encouragement for our colleagues at Win Sports. Unfortunately, the team at Win Sports had to broadcast 70 minutes of the Deportivo Cali vs. La Equidad match yesterday because the usual vandals disrupted the image and power lines to the mobile unit, thus preventing many fans from watching the end of the match.”
Lastly, the commentator highlighted the context of the final taking place at the Nemesio Camacho El Campín stadium: “Today we celebrate that families are coming, and women’s football is providing us with a much healthier audience.”
The crisis at Deportivo Cali is not only being experienced internally, but also by its fans, who have been the protagonists of various acts of vandalism in recent weeks.
In the most recent match played at the Palmaseca stadium and despite the fact that there were no ticket sales for fans who were not subscribers, a new chapter of these controversies was experienced, which affected Win Sports, the channel that has the broadcast rights for the BetPlay League 2024.
According to the sports channel, some unscrupulous individuals “violently entered the place where our mobile was located and disrupted the normal development of our broadcast.” This forced the broadcast to end when the match was in the 70th minute, generating a cascade of reactions from fans and journalists alike.
Deportivo Cali vs. La Equidad
Photo: Taken from X / @AsoDeporCali
Consequences of Vandalism on the Broadcast
The incident not only cut the match short but also disrupted the viewing experience for countless fans. Win Sports, the network with exclusive rights to broadcast the BetPlay League, faced backlash from viewers who were eager to enjoy the game. With the match suspended in the 70th minute, this disruption highlighted the growing concerns over security at football events in Colombia.
Reactions from Sports Figures and Fans
The incident generated significant reactions within the community. Fans expressed their outrage over social media, while various sports journalists echoed their sentiments. Among them was Javier Hernández Bonnet, a prominent journalist and director of Gol Caracol. He publicly showed his support for Win Sports during a broadcast of the U-20 Women’s World Cup final.
Bonnet stated: “People are reassured that they now have numbered tickets for a FIFA event, so they come and find their reserved seat, which is very different from what happens when there are local football matches, we have to say this with great regret.”
Hernández Bonnet on the Vandalism Incident
He further elaborated on the troubling reality faced by broadcasters in Colombia. Bonnet remarked: “Let this be a word of encouragement for our colleagues at Win Sports. The people at Win Sports sadly had to broadcast 70 minutes of the Deportivo Cali vs. La Equidad match yesterday because the usual vandals cut the image and power lines to the mobile phone, thus frustrating many fans from being able to watch the end of the match.”
The Larger Context of Vandalism in Colombian Football
This incident at Deportivo Cali is part of a larger pattern of fan-induced violence that has plagued Colombian football in recent years. Vandalism not only disrupts games but also creates an atmosphere of fear around what should be a celebratory sporting event. Clubs and leagues are under increasing pressure to ensure safety, not just for players and staff, but for the legions of fans that support their teams.
Adding Security Measures
In light of the recent events, clubs like Deportivo Cali are likely to reassess their security protocols. This may include:
- Enhancing stadium security personnel presence
- Increasing surveillance within and around stadium areas
- Implementing stricter entry protocols for fans
Calls for Increased Fan Responsibility
It is vital for fans to recognize their role in maintaining a positive environment. Discussions within fan groups are ongoing, aiming to promote respect for fellow spectators and players alike. Emphasizing a culture of safe and responsible cheering can turn the tide against violence and vandalism.
The Role of Media in Addressing Violence
Media also plays a critical role in addressing this issue. By covering the ramifications of such acts, media outlets like Win Sports can help raise awareness of the need for change. Continuous discussion on these incidents can mobilize fan bases and bring about necessary reforms within clubs and leagues.
Monitoring Violence Reports
Establishing a standardized process for reporting violence at games is crucial for building a safer environment. This could involve:
- Creating a hotline for reporting incidents during games
- Implementing a system of accountability through fan identification
- Ensuring collaboration with law enforcement for swift action during incidents
Educational Programs for Young Fans
Additionally, educational initiatives targeting younger fans can create a culture that celebrates sportsmanship. Programs could focus on:
- Workshops on respect and fair play
- Community events that promote unity among rival fans
- Engagement with schools to foster a love for the game in a peaceful setting
Conclusion
The crisis at Deportivo Cali serves as a reminder of the broader issues within Colombian football regarding fan behavior and safety. Continuous dialogue among fans, clubs, and media is essential for shaping a more positive trajectory for the sport. With collective effort, violence and vandalism can be addressed, ensuring that football remains a source of joy and community for all.