Ba coach Ravinesh Kumar hits back after Fiji FA punishment, claims children were mistreated in tunnel incident

The controversy surrounding Ba FC following last weekend’s Battle of the Giants match against Lautoka has escalated, with head coach Ravinesh Kumar publicly challenging the account of the incident that led to disciplinary action from the Fiji Football Association.

Fiji FA issued Kumar with a final warning and an undisclosed monetary fine following an incident involving a security officer after Ba’s 3-1 victory over Lautoka at 4R Stadium Govind Park. According to the association, the confrontation developed after people connected to Ba attempted to enter the changing-room area without the required passes.

Fiji FA chief executive Mohammed Yusuf said the association had received reports from security officers, the security company, competition managers and officials responsible for the restricted areas before the competitions committee reached its decision.

Under the ruling, Kumar has been given a final warning and could receive a five-match ban from the Ba bench should similar behaviour occur again. The fine must also be paid before Ba’s Battle of the Giants semifinal against Suva.

Former Ba and Fiji national team goalkeeper Isikeli Seva Senior has separately been banned from the changing-room and ground areas and will only be permitted to watch matches from the stands. Fiji FA identified Seva as one of the people who attempted to enter the restricted area without an official pass.

However, Kumar has now offered a significantly different account of what triggered his reaction.

Speaking to FBC Sports, the Ba coach acknowledged raising his voice but rejected the suggestion that his argument with the security officer was simply because supporters had been denied access to the restricted area.

Kumar claims the confrontation developed because of the way some players and children connected to Ba FA president were treated by security while attempting to enter. He said the president’s son sustained bruising to his hand and that Ba possesses evidence of what occurred.

The coach also claimed that the moments which prompted his reaction were not included in the video of the confrontation that subsequently circulated publicly.

“People are saying I overreacted. I have raised my voice, yes, I have done that because the children were abused,” Kumar told FBC Sports, arguing that attention had subsequently focused on his reaction rather than the circumstances he says preceded it.

Kumar further alleged that Fiji FA officials were present inside the tunnel and witnessed what was happening without intervening. According to the coach, Ba has submitted its own report and supporting evidence to the national association concerning the treatment of the children.

Despite challenging the narrative surrounding the incident, Kumar confirmed that Ba respects Fiji FA’s disciplinary decision and will pay the fine.

The competing accounts add another layer to what has already been an eventful Battle of the Giants campaign for Ba. Kumar’s team recovered from a 3-0 defeat against Rewa to defeat Lautoka 3-1 in their final group match and secure a place in the semifinals.

Ba will now face Suva at 2:30pm on Saturday at 4R Stadium Govind Park, with the controversy surrounding their coach providing an unusual backdrop to one of the tournament’s biggest matches.

The second semifinal will see Nasinu face Rewa at 4:30pm, with the Battle of the Giants final scheduled for Sunday.