Official Match Report

To Whom It May Concern,

I am writing to formally report several serious incidents that occurred during our recent U13s match against Seaford.

Firstly, the conduct of the opposition coach was completely unacceptable. After our first grading game, he verbally abused one of my players by calling them a “fat fuck”. This is an Under-13s match — no child should ever be spoken to like that by an adult in any setting, let alone sport. The coach then refused to shake the player’s hand after the match. We played Seaford again today on the 6th of July and today at the end of the game the Seaford coach continued to shout and scream directly in the faces of multiple Lyndale players saying fuck yeah come on boys they usually win by 10 goals. This behaviour is completely against the values of respect and sportsmanship we expect in junior football.

Secondly, I wish to raise concerns about the refereeing. In the first half, the officiating was fair for both sides. However, in the second half it noticeably changed and was extremely inconsistent and one-sided. Obvious fouls and blatant trips were not given against Seaford, who were also repeatedly allowed to take foul throws without consequence. By contrast, Lyndale players were penalised for fair challenges, and on several occasions had throw-ins pulled back for alleged foul throws despite being taken correctly. The game also ends at exactly 11am, meaning the 2 halfs and half Time only amounted to an hour this being the first time all season this has happened with any team.

Overall, the atmosphere created by the opposition coach’s behaviour and the second-half refereeing was very disappointing for the players and parents involved, the Seaford parents came to me and apologised in which there coach carried himself and for the inconsistent refereeing.

We believe this kind of conduct should have no place in junior football. I respectfully ask FFV to investigate this incident, speak with the opposition club, and take appropriate steps to ensure a safe and respectful environment for all players going forward.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Jayme Cerqueira
Lyndale United u13s coach


To Whom it may concern.
I categorically deny ever using such language toward any player, and I wholeheartedly reject the implication that I would.
Such conduct runs counter to the very principles I uphold as a coach and mentor. I’m committed to creating a respectful, inclusive environment for
every child—Seaford and Lyndale alike—and every young athlete deserves to be treated with fairness and dignity.
I don’t recall ever being offered a handshake at the final whistle. I make a point of initiating post-match handshakes to honor good sportsmanship, so without an outstretched hand from the opposition, there was nothing for me to refuse.
I categorically deny shouting or screaming profanities at any Lyndale player. My only intention at the final whistle on 6 July was to celebrate Seaford’s remarkable progress—coming from a 13–2 defeat to earn a hard-fought draw against the ladder’s second-placed side. Cheering my squad, many of whom are in their first or second seasons, reflects the positive, inclusive culture I strive to build. No Seaford parent has ever raised concerns about my conduct, nor did any Lyndale representative approach me after the match—indeed, the coach departed without signing the team sheets or requesting clarification. I stand by the respect and sportsmanship that guide every decision I make on and off the field.
I commend the referee for his impartial professionalism—he blew fouls consistently, even when they went against Seaford, and offered timely guidance to any players getting overly physical. Both linesmen supported him superbly, ensuring the match ran smoothly and fairly.
Regrettably, the opposition coach departed immediately after the final whistle without signing either team’s match sheet or offering a handshake. We remained on the sidelines for an additional twenty minutes—consulting with our club and asking the volunteer referee to hold on—hoping he would return. His premature exit was the sole reason for the brief delay in uploading the official results.

I appreciate your time and attention. Please let me know if there’s any further information I can provide.
Thank you for your understanding and support. I’m happy to discuss this in more detail if needed.

Kind regards,
Daniel Candler
Seaford United U13 Coach