FAS, SNOC MOVE FORWARD

Positive talks as football body agrees that Young Lions need to improve

- Deepanraj Ganesan

The Football Association of Singapore (FAS) has expressed surprise at Singapore National Olympic Council (SNOC) secretary-general Mark Chay's comments on the Young Lions' attitude at the SEA Games.

During a post-Games review on Dec 20, he said that after the opening 3-1 defeat by Timor-Leste on Dec 6 in Bangkok, the players "just walked off the field, didn't even acknowledge the crowd".

Chay added: "I understand disappointment, but they need to really look at sportsmanship, really look at attitude and respect of the sport, as well as the people who went there to support them."

At the FAS' own Games review at its Jalan Besar Stadium headquarters on Dec 26, general secretary Badri Ghent said the officials' reaction was one of "shock and surprise" after coming across Chay's comments.

Emphasising that sportsmanship is a nonnegotiable trait at FAS, Badri said he had a "constructive meeting" with Chay to address some of the points he brought up.

"I was especially surprised because I was there at the game, and myself and some of the supporters can vouch for the fact that the players did so (acknowledge fans)," said Badri.

"In my discussions with Mark, we've attributed it to a situation whereby he had vacated his seat post-match and he did not see the team acknowledging the fans."

Chay had also said on Dec 20: "I think the key to actually making any change or any progress is acceptance and awareness of their problem. I haven't heard anything from FAS or the athletes that there is a problem. I think that is a systemic problem."