The Jamaican soccer neighborhood is in mourning following the sudden passing of veteran referee Wilverglen Lamey, who tragically collapsed throughout a Kingston and St. Andrew Soccer Affiliation (KSAFA) enterprise home semi-final match on Saturday.
The 48-year-old official, a devoted determine in native soccer, was officiating the encounter between Metrodade Safety and Seprod on the Alpha Institute when the incident occurred simply quarter-hour into the sport.
In a wave of grief, tributes have already begun pouring in from throughout the soccer fraternity, with many recalling Lamey’s years of service to the game. The Jamaica Soccer Federation (JFF) issued a heartfelt assertion, describing the loss as devastating.
A devoted servant
“Referee Lamey was a devoted servant of the sport for a few years, officiating at each stage of the sport regionally,” the JFF’s launch learn. Michael Ricketts, the president of the JFF, expressed his condolences, saying, “Mr. Lamey was a well-known face in video games all through the nation. He was at all times able to go within the center in nearly any competitors. He served quietly and respectfully, guaranteeing that the video games had been held with out disrepute. Honest condolences to his household, associates, and the referee fraternity. Might his soul relaxation in everlasting peace.”
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The soccer fraternity was struck significantly laborious by this tragedy, as it’s not the primary time Lamey had officiated throughout a devastating incident. In 2016, he was the referee in cost throughout a schoolboy Manning Cup match when Dominic James, the then St George’s Faculty captain, collapsed and died whereas taking part in towards Excelsior Excessive at Stadium East Subject. That tragedy befell on September 20, 2016, casting an extended shadow over the soccer neighborhood—very like Saturday’s heartbreaking information.
The soccer world in Jamaica now remembers Lamey not just for his tragic remaining moments but additionally for the enduring ardour, dedication, and professionalism he delivered to the game all through his profession. The sport, in any respect ranges, has misplaced a valued and revered official.
