POLICE PROTECTION FOR TNT FOOTBALLERS IN THE USA
Special branch rep joins TT football team in Texas after death threats
A special branch police officer based in Miami has been sent to liaise with the Trinidad and Tobago senior men’s team which is participating in the CONCACAF Gold Cup in the United States.
This follows death threats made after the 0-0 draw with defending champions, Mexico, in the opening round in Arlington, Texas, on Saturday night.
Already, the team has received 24-hour protection from the Frisco Police Department arising out of a recent meeting with the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA).
In a redoubling of efforts, Commissioner of Police (CoP) Gary Griffith says he held discussions with the ministers of national security and foreign and Caricom affairs, as well as the Trinidad and Tobago ambassador to the United States, Anthony Phillip-Spencer.
A decision was ultimately taken to send the special branch representative to liaise with the Trinidad and Tobago team for the remainder of their campaign in the Gold Cup.
The officer, who joined the team this morning, will collaborate with the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI), the Frisco Police Department in Texas, hotel security and match security officials.
The lawman will also make security checks to the team bus as well as coordinate security at the hotel, training fields and match venues, especially prior to departure and arrival.
Furthermore, duties include ensuring that the players are safe from spectators from opposing teams.
The Trinidad and Tobago national team will play El Salvador at 7.30pm today at the Toyota Stadium, Texas.
They will complete in the group stage on Sunday against Guatemala.
Photo: Trinidad and Tobago senior men’s football team prepare for match with El Salvador on July 14, 2021. (Photo credit – TTFA Media)