Progresso FC footballer Latrell Middleton has issued a formal public apology following a widely circulated video that captured him intentionally kicking a dog during a Premier League of Belize playoff match on Saturday evening. The incident occurred at a championship event in the Cayo District, sparking immediate outrage across social media platforms.
In a digitally published statement, Middleton expressed remorse directed toward “the public, animal lovers, Progresso FC supporters, and the broader football community.” The athlete acknowledged his regrettable decision, explicitly stating that “there exists no justification for causing harm to an animal” and emphasizing his personal stance against animal cruelty in any manifestation.
The Football Federation of Belize (FFB) responded decisively on Sunday, formally condemning the player’s actions as “unacceptable and fundamentally incompatible with the core values and ethical principles of football.” The federation has initiated official proceedings by referring the matter to its Disciplinary Committee for comprehensive review and potential sanction determination.
The viral footage triggered substantial digital backlash, with numerous commentators highlighting persistent animal welfare concerns in Belize. Critics additionally questioned event management protocols, with one social media user describing the unsupervised presence of an animal at a professional championship match as “a severe operational failure and lapse in organizational responsibility.”