Finnigan blames communication error for red card

Kabelo Boranabi | Tuesday July 28, 2015 13:44

The tall striker was sent off the pitch for an off the ball incident.

Finningan told Mmegi Sport that the incident might have been a communication problem.

“The ball went out of play for a throw in. It should have been our ball, but the assistant referee gave it to Chiefs. It was fair enough; it was a mistake. Then I asked him what he thought, whether he misunderstood what I said or my accent, or the way I said it. It was just a question, I was not angry about it,” he said.

Rollers’ coach, Mark Harrison said the assistant might have misunderstood what Finnigan said.

“The issue may be the accent; the referee may have thought that he (Finnigan) used offensive language.  Finnigan should also learn the culture in Botswana, as it is different from that of Europe in terms of how you approach the officials and how you conduct yourself on the field of play,” he said.

However, the former Gateshead (UK) player said he was happy with the good start, having won the first trophy with Rollers.

He also expressed hope that the team will improve under the guidance of the new coach.

“I want to score goals. I came here to score goals. I have a target, which I can not reveal, it is my secret,” he said.

Meanwhile, Rollers’ attacking midfielder Segolame Boy, has denied reports that he will be leaving for the South African Premier Soccer League (PSL) this transfer season.

“As of now, no one has enquired about my services, thus meaning I will be staying at Rollers this season,” he said.

Boy said as a player he has his own ambitions and if a good offer comes along he will take it with both hands.

The playmaker said the team is starting to fit in the way the new coach Harrison wants them to play.

“He wants us to play a passing, attacking game, which is different to our wing play. The morale is high in the camp and we are looking forward to the new season,” he said.  Township Rollers start their league campaign against BDF XI on Saturday August 8, 2015 at the National Stadium.