Monday 11 January 2010

Togo had to withdraw

It's one of the toughest decisions anyone has to make. In the wake of the awful gunfire attack on Togo's team coach, the decision has been made to withdraw Togo from the African Cup of Nations in Angola.

The decision must have been so difficult. Torn between withdrawing for safety and reasons of respect, and carrying on in spite of security concerns and refusing to be beaten by terrorists, either decision can be viewed as right or wrong.

Commentators in England, calling for Togo's withdrawal, might have a different view come similar circumstances in the World Cup in South Africa later this year, or if something happened in the Olympics in London in 2012.

The deaths of people on the bus almost make it a non sequitur; the team has to withdraw. It is a tragedy too far for the Togolese team, and no one could expect them to play in the circumstances.

The rest of the teams must be playing on in almost unbearable tension. We must hope that nothing further happens in this tournament.

No comments:

Post a Comment