Jamaicans Divided About Leon Bailey Rejoining the Reggae Boyz Without Apologising

Leon Bailey is back in to the Reggae Boyz squad for the team’s CONCACAF Nations League quarter-finals. However, some Jamaican football fans remain torn as to whether the footballer should be apart of the team without first issuing an apology.

Bailey’s return follows months of contention between him, his agent Craig Butler, and the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) after his suspension was announced in March. The Aston Villa winger’s return was mentioned multiple times without fruition, his latest inclusion was officially announced on Saturday by head coach Steve McClaren.

Baily who is currently in Jamaica has shared multiple content online of himself with the Boyz in recent days, marking the certainty of his inclution/availabilty on this occasion.

The Reggae Boyz, currently ranked #61 by Fifa, are set to play next on November 14 and on the 18, against the United States, ranked #18. While some fans are hoping for Bailey’s presence to increase the national team’s chances, others are still waiting for an apology.

Reacting to a Jamaica Observer editorial that called for Bailey to apologise, fans expressed differing opinions.

“I share the same sentiment. He owes the team and Jamaica a public apology,” one fan stated on Instagram.

While another wrote, “… Of course he should apologize first there no player bigger than is country team nonenot even Messi it’s call good sportsmanship he is coming back into what he describes as no good what it’s telling you guys he is desperate to make is name on the world stage playing for club don’t gives you that pevilige.”

However, other fans came to Bailey’s defence.

“Apologize to who exactly? JFF apologize to anybody fi a use politics & personal feelings inna we football?” one fan questioned.

Highlighting some of the issues cited by Bailey when he announced that he would be taking a break from the Reggae Boyz, another fan questioned if the JFF is a good programme.

“Look how many politicians violate our sovereign rights without any form of remorse or apology, yet a poor yute who rise to be successful and refuses to be treated any less than he should based on his own self respect, should apologise, fxk y’all……. he doesn’t need the JFF, yes,i said it…… leave di yute alone…….many of the footballers have to pay for their own passage whenever they play,book their own hotel , provide their own meals etc……is that a programme?”

With many of the issues pointed out by Bailey and his demands, such as personal security and first-class flights, apparently not been fixed or fulfilled, fans have also questioned if his return will be permanent.

RELATED:

• The Jamaica and Leon Bailey Situation
• Leon Bailey Captains Aston Villa for First Time
• Jamaica’s COPA AMERICA Squad Named: Leon Bailey Included