Opinion | Singapore minister’s comments a reminder that emotions can run very high at sports events
Controversy after the Asian Cup qualifier must be seen in the context of what usually happens in the crowds at hotly contested matches
By all accounts, the football match at Hong Kong’s Kai Tak Stadium between Hong Kong and Singapore earlier this week had all the hallmarks of a classic. The two similarly ranked teams were finely poised for qualification to the Asian Cup, with the winner qualifying for the 2027 event in Saudi Arabia.
As expected, the match was hotly contested, with Hong Kong taking the early lead before a Singapore comeback saw the game end 2-1 in their favour. The three goals were of a high quality, and Singapore was suitably jubilant with their first appearance in the Asian Cup on merit after having featured once in 1984 as hosts.
Yet, much of the post-match focus has been on the comments made by Singapore’s Acting Minister for Culture, Community and Youth, David Neo, in the Singapore locker room after the game.
Critics were quick to point out that such comments did not seem becoming for a political office holder, and anti-establishment outlets were gleeful in their criticism of the new minister, who was appointed following Singapore's general elections in May this year.
Hongkongers, understandably, were not impressed.