The six Young Lions football players who broke curfew in Manila allegedly went to the casino and ended up returning to the hotel in the wee hours of the morning.
In a statement released by the Football Association of Singapore (FAS), the players confirmed that the players who broke curfew were Tajeli Salamat, Joshua Pereira, Zulqarnaen Suzliman, Zharfan Rohaizad, Kenji Rusydi and Lionel Tan.
They will also face a disciplinary hearing by the FAS Disciplinary Committee when they return.
“I am utterly disappointed with the players and I have let them know as much,” said Fandi Ahmad in quotes carried on Yahoo Singapore.
“They are here (in Manila) not only as representatives of the FAS, but also Team Singapore, and should have known the value of the flag they are bearing. This was another unnecessary set-back for the team during what has turned out to be a difficult campaign for us.”
“The curfews in place, besides ensuring the players’ safety and security, are to instil discipline and to ensure that the players are well rested and ready to carry out their mission for the country in football,” said FAS president Lim Kia Tong in the media statement.
“Breaking curfew hours is deplorable and totally against the very values which every footballer is expected to uphold as the ambassador of Singapore at competitions. Their acts were calculated and done with the blatant disregard of the Code of Conduct.
“At that stage of the competition when they should have been fully focused on bringing pride back to the game for Singapore, their behaviour affected and dented the capability and morale of the team, and they have let down the entire nation.
“Without any question, they will face the FAS disciplinary committee which will be convened without delay after their return.”
Singapore finished the competition with a draw and a win, against Laos and Brunei respectively and lost matches against Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam.
Photo: FAS