BFA Apologize For Playing Wrong Anthem
The Bermuda Football Association [BFA] has apologized for playing the wrong national anthem before the Trinidad vs Bermuda game on Friday night [Oct.7].
Before the game started the BFA played the American national anthem instead of Bermuda’s resulting in massive boos from the thousands of people in attendance. After the incident, the Bermuda National Team continued on to do the island proud, defeating Trinidad 2 – 1, with goals scored by Antwan Russell in the 53rd minute, and Nahki Wells in the 63rd minute.
Both local and Trinidad media reported on the mishap, with Trinidad’s Guardian saying, “The game itself seemed odd from the start as the Bermudian anthem was never played but instead the sounds of United States’ own started playing shortly after T&T’s anthem. That was the second time of such an occurrence at the same venue at a meeting between both teams.”
A statement released by the BFA last night [Oct.9] said, “On behalf of the BFA Executive, we apologize to the people of Bermuda for playing the incorrect national anthems on Friday evening at the Bermuda v Trinidad & Tobago World Cup qualifying match.”
“We caused undue embarrassment and anxiety for which we are truly sorry. We also apologize to the people of the USA for the mistake. Although this has happened previously, we have taken steps to ensure that this will not happen again.”
I’m pretty sure they said it wouldn’t happen again last time……
It is extremely embarrassing when executives of a national sport don’t know the correct National Anthem. Get it together people! I have been there on more than one occasion that this has happened…and one time should have been enough!!
hey bernews, as arguably the leader in getting answers I put this task to you. Can you go to the BFA and get an answer as to why no one is allowed to stream the games? People will still attend, but you also give the overseas students swell as locals who cannot be there in person a chance to support their country. Thank you for your help.
The BFA posted this on their site: “The Caribbean Football Union as a body of all Caribbean countries own the rights to the live video and audio signals for the matches in the Caribbean countries including Bermuda. This will benefit the BFA later on when TV rights revenues are distributed to the member countries. Consequently, the BFA cannot allow live video, audio or streaming broadcasting from the NSC. Such recorded broadcasts will be allowed at a later date.”
However we have confirmed with ZBM that they will be showing highlights tonight, so tune in to their broadcast at 7pm if you are on island.
“This will benefit the BFA later on when TV rights revenues are distributed to the member countries”.
Really ?? When will that happen, when we are out of the tournament and not watching the other teams ?? It may benefit the BFA financially at a later date but how does that help people who cannot attend the NSC to see matches that Bermuda are involved in now ??
I guess to see that happen we must reach the next round ?? it’s possible at this time so Go Bermie !!
INEXCUSABLE! Larry Mussenden and a bunch of morons! Someone should be fired. If you can’t do the job…get cracking!!!
@ truth — silly people making so much fuss over what was clearly a mistake..most don’t stand when the anthem is played, keep their hats on, are not quiet and say that they support independence..
not attempting to dismiss the fact that such mistakes should be avoided, however can’t help but point out the hypocrisy…
just savor the victory and chill..
I agree jus saying
I’d rather not chill to be honest. As a perosn who loves his country I must say, what the hell are BFA doing??? Seriously though, what are they doing. Not only do you get it wrong once, but twice!! You don’t know the difference between the anthems when reading them before you play them? And while it is playing you still don’t know the difference between the sounds?? An incident like this happened at another match overseas and they immediately stopped it. Why couldn’t we stop it here? Im sure the computer program can be interrupted. I know that there are issues with us as a people keeping their hats on and staying seated, but becasue they do that does not mean the rest of us can ignore it. Where is you patriotism?? If you truely love your country, then stand up for it and stop making excuses like our political leaders do. Even now, other countries laugh at our ignorance. They laugh at our celebrations to mediocracy and our complete incoherence.
We shouldnt chill and relax. Can you imagine playing the Canadian national anthem at a U.S. event? How about God Save the Queen at a Scottish event? It is an embarrasment.
better a scottish event than an irish one
but seriously, who the hell allowed this mishap to happen..i know a lot of Bermudians think they’re American when they aren’t, but I didn’t realise stupidity like that exists today…i just don’t get how you can choose the yank anthem…it makes no sense to me at all..unless there’s a hidden agenda and deep meaning to the anthem for those in charge of BFA..independence i guess
Just in case you didn’t they are providing us with a team that won the game. More important to me than dwelling on a mistake.
U lot should all be fired fa doin dat! Disgrace. N y u apologizin to de US for…who cares. Better apologize to us!!
I think they should do that often, Bermuda Won ! it is a good Karma!
I am not a regular football game attendee, but wanted to share my family attended the game on Friday and we had a GREAT time. I felt safe as there seems to be loads of security, especially the security gurard with dark shades who remined me of a london gate guard,standing at attention, emotion less doing his job proudly. The Bermuda win was the icing on the cake for me. I went on line and purchased tickets for the next 2 games and will try to get there earlier. Job well done Bermuda Team and props to the BFA and all involved in bringing us a wholesome family sporting event.
Why did the sound guy even have the US National anthem? Pathetic.
@ Pain in the backside – why ask why?? Let it go and get a life….
Also it appears we cannot buy tickets at the gate. Why?!?!
The BFA said, “FIFA Regulations do not allow sale of tickets at the National Sports Centre on match day.”
For tomorrow’s match against Guyana tickets are available online, at the BFA Office up to 5pm on Tuesday, and at CedarBridge Academy Ruth Seaton James Box Office on Tuesday from 530pm until.
Thanks Bernews! Would it not make sense to have sales closer to the venue?!? Just my 2 cents
Andre: I can’t think of any suitable building that is closer go the National Stadium than the Ruth Seaton James box office. It’s well within walking distance – maye 300 yards away – and has the facilities needed i.e. ticket office, space for parking and queueing etc. Can you suggest any closer location other than the Police Traffic Department?
If anyone paid attention they would know the DJ was right the first time playing “God Save the Queen” that is our National Anthem. The unoffical anthem is “Hail to Bermuda”.
What I don’t understand is how they’ve allowed this to happen AGAIN. A few years back the same thing happened I believe it was when Bda played against Jamaica.
Isn’t this like the 2nd or 3rd time this has happened?
To all those who were not in attendence. There were many glitches. at 8pm most of us were still on the outside of the grounds allthe way down through Parsons Road. The opening act performed for a very sparse crowed more than once. It would be nice if they can get this together. Announce that Cedarbridge parking is 5 bucks so we are not all scrambling to find their fee. The food is hard on the palet and super expensive. If maybe Upper Crust can concentrate on quality. Improving these things would help. I was so proud to be alongside my fellow Bermudians, long lines, bad food and all. Contrary to sincism we all did stand bold and proud only to hear “The Star Spangled Banner”… Weirdly It seems noone caught on until it hit the bridge. We were annoyed but at the same time it was really funny. I was talking to some folks and we came up withthe fact that the Bermuda Hoggs often play US Teams hee and thats why we have the USA Anthem in our Repertoire. At the end of the day the game was quite good and a wonderful experience for all of us to experience victory!
@ A – Isn’t this the 2nd or 3rd time someone has asked the same question? What excatly are you attempting to accomplish? Do you even like football? Was the result not satisfying? How many times do the FA have to say ” My Bad ” or does that even matter? Clearly the result was not the one many had hoped for.. clearly there is an agenda and it isn’t supportive of football..
anti BFA ..anti football..anti anything positive done in football…sad, sad lives you lead..
Hey bernews, can you tell me why Fox is reporting that Bermuda is out due to financials?
Sure it’s not a good thing to rally our support by playing the wrong song, however if we trick the other team to think they are playing the USA. well that”s a good thing by the result! lighten up! 99% of you don’t care for the song anyways……
Well, whiule listening to a popular radio host this morning…He stated that he would rather hear anything but Bermuda’s Anthem and God save our queen…… He repeated this over and over so i’m now wondering is this was done purposely? Im sure it wasn’t but i know many bermudians with this sameradio host mentality. I got pretty angry and changed the channle as I refuse to have my morning ruined by a biased, ignorant individual. Hatred and ignorance being spouted firth thing in the morning is not how i choose to start my day.
What was the anthem being played..im confused. Wasn’t there, but as far as I see it there is an official, and unofficial…..or did they play something from the wrong country.
r u dopey they play the us anthem not bermudas
Kind if misread the article, and harsh words were not neccessary at all. Unfortunetley it just tells me that you are an ignorant person, with little to no sort of personality. Then you wonder why bermuda has hospitality problems.
you shouldn’t call people dopey i was told they started played our Anthem “God Save the Queen” first and everyone started booing
Its just the BFA’s contribution to making international business feel welcome. Relax.
@ Not Surprised- I think the radio show host this morning had a very valid point. (For clarification- Bermuda’s National Anthem is God save the Queen, Hail to Bermuda is our unofficial offical “National Song”). I too would rather listen to an anthem that inspired some national pride, a song that would have me take off my hat, cover my heart and sing loud stong and off key. God save the queen is not it. That’s someone else’s nation not mine. However as we are a crown colony, God save the Queen is it. A song that most of us don’t even know the words too. A song that does not have any emotional tie to you and your country.
For at the end of the day that is what an anthem is supposed to do, make your heart swell, a tear glisten from the corner of your eye, and your chest puff out to say “Yes, I am Bermudian”
Was it done purposely- I hope not but its hard to say no when it has happened at least 2 other times.
I could only hope that this conversation gets people to think about what is really important when they think of “National Pride” God Save the Queen is NOT it. But then what is? and more importantly what wll it take for us to get there?
I was thinking the same thing… How many Bermudians actually know their “official anthem” anyway? I don’t know the words to it. I’d rather hear “hail to Bermuda”
I wasn’t able to listen to the whole broadcast as I had to turn it off. If Berrmuda had played her unofficial anthem I’d be ok with that. That being said, i was more annoyed at the fact the the host was saying repeatedly he would rather listen to anything but god save our queen. I understand it’s not tear jerking for us. But in my opinion he made his point with stating his opinion the first time. And in my opinion, he tore the a$$ out of it. Whether we like it or not, we are a British territory and as such i don’t think it appropriate to go on and on about listening to anything but The British national anthem. And you are right, most Bermudians don’t know the words. I can honestly say i don’t. Your last paragraph was insightful. We seem to have lost national pride somewhere along the line, and the anthem is the least of our worries at this point in time in Bermuda.
LIKE I SAID BEFORE, THE BFA IS IN A BIG DAYDREAM….WELL DONE TO THE SOCCER TEAM….TOO BAD THAT THE BFA STILL HAS PROBLEMS WITH BASIC COMMONS SENSE!!
proud to be bermudian
Hey we won, maybe they should start with the Star
Spangled Banner before every game.. After all if it aint broke then break it (bermudian motto) Hey………that could be our good luck song!!!
Oh, say can you see??
I want to have some real conversation:
If we(Bermudians) are going to come out to the games ( I always do) lets do a few things that are fan friendly.
1. Lets start the game at a time when school children can come and still get home at a good hour. there are alot of boys and girls who love football but because of the game starting at 8pm many parents feel it is too late. Even a 7pm start will be a good thing.
2. Have some good half time entertainment that creates a national buzz! mascotts, dancers, songs…….dont say BFA does not allow i have been to games around the world that have it. (grow a pair)
3. Have a more effcient gate system. as having people far back as the bottom of, parsons road is aweful, the gate system must be more effecient, also wheelchair ready at times. not enough access very big bottle neck and ultimately a safety hazzard. ps the turnstyle area is too small, thus anyone ovever 200 pound will struggle through the turnstyle.
4. Better and cheaper food, the food they serve is too expensive for the terrible taste and portion size. get different variety of food. varying cost.
5. the whole no standing up FIFA rule thing………..hog wash………..this is not Iraq…..relax………
if you want us to come out and support then ensure that you take your jobs seriously. Bermuda is a very interesting place were many of us go overseas to matches and concerts, thus we expect the standard that is consistant with developed countries.
Please stop making excuses and do your part. The players did their part on the night, Now BFA do your part and provide a first class sporting event,
If you need some help see the people who put on the Rugby Classic, the Carifta Games, the Brooklyn Mass Choir Event. All of these events cater to thousands of people at National stadium and all have seating charts, parking plans, variety of foods and a high level of organization. please stop thinking it is just a footbal game and plan a world class event. after all if you want to create world class memories create a world class atmorsphere. I will leave you with a quote from Steve Jobs “sweat the small stuff”
LOL!!! One thing, you were spot on and I concur 100% with everything you said!
@ get it right.
Agreed!
how can you really mess up on something like that – just shows there are no skills or professionalism (no country messes up like that) apology should be ashamed so embarrassing for Bermudiana
GET A GRIP
Damn, Bermudians, love to beat u when your down so a mistake was made. Funny thing not one of you wants to bring your so called expertise to help. FIFA rule all persons must be seated during the match. FIFA rule no tickets can be sold at the gate.
See when you have everybody wanting to be the star – things happen!! Why didn’t they play “Proud to be Bermudian” cuz nobody knows the words to the other songs…
Cut the guys some slack. Maybe they saw so much US$. They got confused.
So thats all they apologised for what about the total mess with the gates ecs, ect ??
SMH!!!!!!!!! BUNCH OF FOOLS
As far as tickets are concerned…. I called the BFA and suggested that they place a table and two reps at the lower level of Washington mall (where the stairs are) and let them sell tickets there.. It’s convenient, easy access and not jammed like the BFA office.. theres also an atm right next door! Imagine what that BFA office will be like tomorrow if they sell tkts from there.! Let’s see if they take up the suggestion. Cuz you know.. Some people……..
dumb A$$ES
Hang on, why apologise to the USA? What about Bermuda, or even the UK? Gotta say though, I was there on the famous night when 4,000 packed in for the 0-2 Trinidad game, and the truth is Bermuda doesn’t care about the National Anthem. As a proud Brit who belts it out, I was embarassed to hear that noone else was singing. If you don’t want GSTQ, sing something else, but at least sing.