Hougang and Etoile matches suspended

Hougang and Etoile matches suspended

Following the events that had forced the abandonment of the Great Eastern-YEO’S S.League 2011 match between Hougang United and Etoile FC, the FAS Competitions Division, the organisers of the tournament, have announced that all matches involving these two clubs will be suspended pending the conclusion of a Disciplinary Committee hearing on the matter.

The match on 23 May 2011 was abandoned after players from both sides were involved in a heated exchange while warming up for the match on the Hougang Stadium pitch, where the match was to be played.

Both clubs have been asked to submit their reports on the incident.

The FAS Disciplinary Committee will convene for a hearing on 3 June 2011.

As a consequence, the following matches will be affected and are to be moved to a later date:

* Match No.91: Etoile FC vs Albirex Niigata FC (Singapore) at Queenstown Stadium (originally scheduled for 26 May 2011)
* Match No.93: Courts Young Lions vs Hougang United at Jalan Besar Stadium (originally scheduled for 28 May 2011)
* Match No.115: SAFFC vs Hougang United at Choa Chu Kang Stadium (originally scheduled for 1 June 2011)

FAS President Zainudin Nordin stated the serious view that has been taken on the incident.

“We have a zero tolerance policy when it comes to violent conduct both on and off the pitch,” he said. “FAS has started investigations and will pursue the matter thoroughly. Any players and officials found guilty of misconduct will be severely dealt with.”

Hougang United chairman Bill Ng also stated the club’s position on the matter in a separate statement to the media.

“It is with great regret that such an unpleasant incident would happen during our home game,” he commented in the statement, released one day after the incident.

“We are sorry that the incident happened in our turf and we want to reiterate that we will not condone such unruly behaviour. We will cooperate fully with FAS in their investigations as we do not tolerate such acts of violence. Any Hougang United Football Club players found guilty would be severely penalised for their wrongdoings.”

~News courtesy of Sleague~