FAS: We do not condone violence of any form
The Football Association of Singapore (FAS) has promised to take "stern action" against the players who were involved in an alleged ugly brawl during a Singapore FA Cup match at Bukit Gombak Stadium on Saturday night (Oct1).
The New Paper understands that the incident took place in the 88th minute of the match between Singapore Armed Forces Sports Association (Safsa) and Balestier United Recreation Club.
Safsa were leading 2-1 when both sides had a player sent off - Safsa's Fuad Ramli earned a red card for kicking an opponent and Balestier's Masnashzreen Masturi saw red for reacting by allegedly punching Fuad.
Eyewitnesses told TNP that, as Masnashzreen left the pitch, an angry exchange took place between Balestier players and Safsa captain Syafiq Siraj - who did not play in the game - and that led to a number of Balestier players chasing Syafiq angrily into the spectator stands.
In one video, Syafiq appeared to be attacked by several players after he tripped.
His Safsa teammates and team officials eventually managed to help break up the attack.
In response to TNP's queries after videos of the incident went viral on Sunday, an FAS spokesman said: "The Football Association of Singapore (FAS) is aware of the incident that took place during the FA Cup match between Balestier United Recreation Club and Singapore Armed Forces Sports Association on Saturday night.
"We would like to reiterate that the FAS does not condone violence of any form, and the alleged behaviour has no place in football.
"We understand that a police report has been lodged, and will provide the police with all cooperation and assistance necessary. In addition, we will are also conducting our own investigation and stern action will be taken against any offenders.
Syafiq wrote in a Facebook post, which has since been removed, that he had "no idea what made them want to chase me".
He also claimed his mother was hurt in the melee, and was taken to the hospital in an ambulance. He added that they had made a police report.
In another video making its rounds, a man was aggressively told by someone donning a Balestier jersey to stop recording the incident on his mobile phone.
One eyewitness told TNP that police officers arrived at the scene within minutes of the incident.
The witness, who declined to be named, said: "It was ridiculous, this should not be happening.
"When players think they want to take over the game and go over the line, this is what happens.
"I think the team management officials from both teams should have controlled their players better."
More in The New Paper tomorrow (Oct 3).
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