A 19-year-old football player, Aniq Rizqin, was recently handed a hefty 30-month ban and fined S$2,000 by the Football Association of Singapore (FAS) for his involvement in a violent incident. The young athlete, then part of Tanjong Pagar United, was captured on video seemingly throwing a punch during post-match handshakes after a game against Albirex Niigata in a Singapore Premier League (SPL) Under-21 match on February 10. The authorities took swift action, with the police arresting Aniq for public nuisance shortly after the incident.
According to a Facebook post by the SPL, the FAS disciplinary committee found Aniq guilty of two counts of violent conduct during the match, leading to his suspension from all FAS-sanctioned tournaments and matches for 30 months, along with a monetary penalty. Additionally, Tanjong Pagar United was found at fault for failing to ensure its players maintained a sportsmanlike demeanor during the game, resulting in a fine of S$5,000, which was suspended provided no similar misconduct occurred in the future.
One of the Longest Bans in FAS History
Aniq’s ban ranks among the lengthiest suspensions ever meted out by FAS, as per a list of disciplinary cases on the association’s official website. Previous instances include a five-year ban for Muhammad Maziz in 2015 for assaulting a match referee, a two-year ban for Rahaizad Bin Abdul Rahman in 2007 for attacking a referee, and a one-year suspension for Tanjong Pagar striker Nicodeme Boucher in 2000 for assaulting an SAFFC defender, marking one of the SPL’s most infamous moments. Such severe penalties underscore the zero-tolerance policy towards violence and unsportsmanlike behavior in Singaporean football.
Repercussions and Resolution
Following the incident, the police announced on February 11 that Aniq was under investigation for voluntarily causing harm, with inquiries ongoing. Tanjong Pagar United responded by terminating Aniq’s contract the next day, stating that the decision was made after careful deliberation. The club also extended apologies for the incident and pledged to cooperate with both Aniq and the authorities regarding the ongoing investigation. Meanwhile, Albirex Niigata confirmed that their player, Kenji Austin Ho, who was struck in the head during the altercation, had been hospitalized for examination and scans but was discharged on February 11.
The severity of the sanctions imposed on Aniq Rizqin by the Football Association of Singapore underscores the organization’s commitment to upholding the integrity and sportsmanship of the sport. Such incidents serve as a stark reminder of the repercussions of violent behavior in the realm of professional sports, highlighting the importance of maintaining discipline and respect on and off the field. It is imperative for players, coaches, and officials alike to prioritize fair play and uphold the principles of sportsmanship to ensure the continued growth and success of football in Singapore and beyond.
