Bangladesh U-20 coaches clash, British coach calls 999 for police

Photo : Collected

A dispute between Bangladesh U-20 head coach Gerard Jones and assistant coach Atikur Rahman Mishu reportedly turned physical at a team hotel in Dhaka last Wednesday, prompting the British coach to call the national emergency service 999 and police to the scene.

The Bangladesh U-20 team is scheduled to leave for Uzbekistan on August 27 to compete in the AFC U-20 qualifiers, which begin on August 31.

According to people familiar with the incident, Jones and Mishu had a heated argument at Hotel Holiday Inn, which allegedly escalated into pushing. Jones subsequently called 999, and police arrived at the hotel. No further incident was reported.

The dispute has reportedly created tension within the coaching staff, with the two coaches currently avoiding each other. Sources also said Jones does not want Mishu to accompany the team to Uzbekistan. Neither coach has publicly commented on the matter.

Samiul Kashem, a member of the Bangladesh Football Federation’s (BFF) Development Committee and manager of the U-20 team, said the committee was working to resolve the issue.

“We are working on the matter at the Development Committee. We hope to find a solution soon. Our goal is to provide the players with the best possible support and achieve success for the country,” he said.

Jones has reportedly faced disagreements with other members of the coaching staff as well. During the team’s training camp at the Shamsul Huda Academy in Jashore, he was said to have had differences with the Spanish goalkeeper coach. The situation was later resolved.

His conduct had also drawn attention earlier over a social media post concerning his salary and personal difficulties, which reportedly left the BFF uncomfortable.

The latest dispute adds to concerns surrounding the management of the U-20 team. Former British coach Mark Cox had also faced questions over his qualifications and coaching record.

Kashem, who was involved in the selection process for both coaches, said candidates were assessed based on their CVs and interviews.

“We have to give some benefit of the doubt during the selection process. You cannot know everything about someone until you actually work with them,” he said.

Jones has a two-year contract with the BFF. However, the federation is reportedly not planning to retain him after the Uzbekistan qualifiers. There is also speculation that the coach may seek an early departure and potentially pursue compensation under the terms of his contract.