Replies to Media ● Dec 01, 2014
FAS’ Reply to Media Query on Singapore vs Malaysia AFF Suzuki Cup Match
After Safiq Rahim scored Malaysia’s second goal from the penalty spot, a few Malaysia fans at the front row climbed over to celebrate with the player who was standing less than five metres away from the stands. They did not enter the pitch, nor were they trying to do so.
While FAS does not condone such actions by fans, the goal came at such a pivotal moment of the game with passions running high, the excitement shown by the Malaysian fans, who were eventually shepherded quickly back to the stands by Sports Hub’s security staff, was understandable. FAS has given its feedback to the Sports Hub on this incident, as well as on the issue of water bottles thrown from the stands onto the pitch areas. We understand that a review is underway.
With regard to Singapore’s performance in the 2014 AFF Suzuki Cup, like our fans, we are disappointed that we did not advance to the semi-finals, even though we were in a tough group with Thailand, Malaysia and Myanmar. Our squad featured many young players who have not had much exposure at the international level, and we believe their participation at the Suzuki Cup will further aid their development as footballers.
In line with our Standard Operating Procedures, the Football Association of Singapore (FAS) will be conducting a post-tournament assessment of the team’s performances. We will await National Teams Head Coach Bernd Stange’s report and analysis of the whole campaign. The FAS Executive Committee will then review the report before deciding on the next course of action.
We would like to thank our stakeholders and fans for their unwavering support of the Lions. We are sorry that we have not been able to defend the title this time, and the Lions are determined to make amends at the next tournament.
