There will be no more balls for former Tanjong Pagar United midfielder Aniq Rizqin whose assault of Albirex Niigata’s Kenji Austin Ho has made national news.
On 12 February, Tanjong Pagar United announced the termination of Aniq’s contract with immediate effect.
Aniq himself has since come out to apologise for his actions.
“I would like to apologise to everyone at the stadium, Albirex and both players that I have hurt,” he said in comments to the Straits Times.
“I understand that my actions were unnecessary and uncalled for.
“It was a mistake that I have made… I assure you that this will not happen again,” said Aniq.
Earlier the club announced on social media that Aniq’s contract would be terminated.
Not that it mattered much since he was enlisting in National Service anyway.
“The club had met with the team manager, coaches and players of the U-21 team to review the incident.
“After careful consideration, the club has decided to terminate the contract with Aniq Rizqin with immediate effect,” said the statement released by the club.
The videos shared on social media by TMSG have since made its rounds across Singapore, with Thai media outlets also requesting for access to the footage.
In videos captured by spectators at Jurong East Stadium whom swiftly sent them to TMSG, Aniq is seen throwing a punch at Albirex defender Sim Jun Yen, 17, during post-match handshakes.
Aniq then swung and hooked Kenji which left him sprawled on the ground.
While the FAS announced its own investigation into the matter, questions remain as to whether they have effective measures in place to prevent similar incidents in the future.
A club official who spoke to TMSG on the condition of anonymity has since told us that U21 matches have been known to be hot-blooded and there were concerns of security raised before.
This, however, is not corroborated.
MAIN PHOTO: TPUFC