U20 coach Gerard Jones reportedly sacked a day before team's departure for Asian Cup qualifiers
Bangladesh Under 20 head coach Gerard Jones has reportedly been removed from his position, a day before the team was due to depart for Uzbekistan to play in the AFC U20 Asian Cup qualifiers, multiple Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) sources confirmed.
The decision follows an altercation between Jones and assistant coach Atiqur Rahman Mishu at the team hotel last Wednesday, which escalated after a verbal argument.
Jones called the police emergency line during the dispute, prompting officers to attend the hotel and bring the situation under control.
The BFF's Development Committee opened an investigation into the incident soon after.
Team manager Samid Kashem had said at the time that the committee was working to resolve the matter quickly, ahead of the squad's scheduled departure.
Jones addressed the situation publicly on Monday night, posting a video message on social media in which he claimed to have been physically assaulted at his workplace and said he no longer felt safe in the country.
"I was recently involved in a serious incident at work in which I sustained physical injuries from an assault, and had to defend myself. I have formally documented what occurred, with independent witnesses and have shared evidence relating to the incident with the BFF, the police and the British Police and British Embassy."
"More importantly, I have raised genuine concerns about my personal safety and have repeatedly asked for help. Those concerns remain," Jones said.
He also denied any personal dispute with the assistant coach, describing their working relationship as strong.
"I have no issue whatsoever with our goalkeeping coaches. José and Himel have been outstanding. We work closely together, both on and off the field, and our collaboration has been excellent," he said.
His account drew scrutiny, however, after appearing to contradict itself, dismissing certain media reports as inaccurate at one point before the altercation described in those same reports was effectively confirmed moments later in his own video.
I was recently involved in a serious incident at work in which I sustained physical injuries from an assault, and had to defend myself. I have formally documented what occurred, with independent witnesses and have shared evidence relating to the incident with the BFF, the police and the British Police and British Embassy.
Gerard Jones, former Bangladesh U20 head coach
Jones had also previously raised concerns on social media about unpaid salary and financial hardship for his family, though the BFF had deposited his salary on time.
Other foreign coaches working in Bangladesh, including compatriots Peter Butler with the women's team and Thomas Dooley with the men's senior side, have not raised similar safety concerns during their tenures.
Bangladesh U20 are still scheduled to travel to Uzbekistan on Wednesday, with the AFC U20 Asian Cup qualifiers beginning on August 31. The BFF had signed Jones to a two year contract in June.