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2 football fans in S'pore admit to making 'monkey noises' & racist chants against Tanjong Pagar player
They were banned from games from Jul. to Sep. 30, 2024.
November 05, 2024, 12:56 PM
Two Geylang International Football Club (GIFC) fans have been found responsible for racist chanting, which included making "monkey noises" and using derogatory racist language on Tanjong Pagar United Football Club (TPUC) player Salif Cisse, on Jul. 19.
They were banned from attending all Football Association of Singapore (FAS) organised matches till Sep. 30, 2024, and were made to complete community service after hurling racial abuse at the player.
In addition, GIFC was given a suspended fine of S$5,000 as clubs are responsible for the behaviour of their fans.
Geylang beat Tanjong Pagar 5-3.
Lodged formal complaint
After the incident, TPUFC lodged a formal complaint to FAS on Jul. 20.
On Jul. 24, the two GIFC fans owned up and admitted to being the perpetrators of the abuse.
FAS's formal investigation revealed that the racist chanting went on for at least 15 minutes and was heard by the Cisse, fans in the stands, and players along the touchline.
While investigations were ongoing, GIFC also informed the fans under investigation that they were not to attend any matches until the investigations were concluded.
GIFC also deployed extra security stewards and worked with the leaders of GIFC's official fan club to ensure the orderliness of fans.
The GIFC management made an in-person apology to Cisse in a closed-door meeting.
Sanctions
Following the incident, the two fans were banned from attending all FAS-organised and sanctioned competitions and matches from July to Sep. 30.
In addition, they were required to complete 30 hours of community service through GIFC.
The suspended fine of S$5,000 slapped on GIFC was for failing to uphold Article D of the FAS/SPL Spectator Code of Behaviour, which requires clubs to be responsible for their fans' behaviour.
Through the investigations, FAS also detected areas for improvement, such as the absence of an established protocol to deal with the issue immediately.
FAS will brief all clubs on the protocol concerning abuse from the stands, and fans should be empowered to report any abuse from the stands to the security personnel.
Stadium marshals and security personnel should also raise the issue with the match commissioner and home club and be empowered to expel errant fans from the stadiums.
FAS stated that the protocol will be established and disseminated as soon as possible.
FAS said they would implement the new FIFA three-step protocol, where game officials must step up.
Referees should pause the game upon being made aware of racist chanting so an announcement can be made to demand the chanting stop.
If it continues, the game will be paused for a second time, and players will be taken off the field to allow the crowd to correct its behaviour.
If it persists for the third time, the game will be abandoned.
The protocol will be fully implemented by Jan. 1, 2025.
More measures to deal with abusive behaviour
FAS congress has approved setting up a Respect Standing Committee as a broader measure.
The committee is responsible for establishing education programs and protocols to prevent and protect individuals from all forms of abusive behaviour in football.
The committee will be chaired by Michael Palmer and consist of four other members.
The committee will also be given special oversight over the Singapore Youth League to promote positive behaviour in football and will serve as the league's disciplinary committee.
Top photos via Geylang International FC/Facebook
