Hougang, Etoile cleared to play in Sg Cup

Hougang, Etoile cleared to play in Singapore Cup

SINGAPORE: The investigations are still ongoing, the verdict has not yet been reached, but the two teams involved in the pre-match fracas at the Hougang Stadium on May 23, Hougang United and Etoile FC, will be back in action soon.

The Football Association of Singapore's (FAS) disciplinary committee will reconvene for the third time on June 16 to hear the case but both clubs have had their indefinite suspensions lifted so they can play in their respective RHB Singapore Cup fixtures.

Hougang will face Malaysia's Young Tigers this Friday, while defending S-League champions Etoile take on Tanjong Pagar United next Wednesday.

But the individual players facing charges - Hougang's Fathi Yunos, Shariff Samat and assistant coach Hasrin Jailani; and Etoile's Serge Souchon and Hadama Bathily - will not be allowed to play.

"That's a wise decision, you can't punish the fans, the club and the other players for the mistakes of just a few individuals," said Etoile chairman Johan Gouttefangeas.

Hougang officials could not be contacted on Tuesday.

The pre-match brawl - a first in the 16-year history of the S-League - prompted officials to call off the teams' league fixtures pending the outcome of the disciplinary proceedings.

~News courtesy of Today~