Ex-Tanjong Pagar United player who punched opponent in the face gets 30-month ban, fined S$2,000

The 19-year-old Tanjong Pagar United player who punched his Albirex Niigata opponent in the face after an Under-21 match has been found guilty of two counts of violent conduct.

In a statement on Facebook on Mar. 6, the Singapore Premier League (SPL) said the player, Aniq Rizqin, has been banned from all Football Association of Singapore (FAS) for 30 months.

He has also been fined S$2,000.

In addition, the FAS Disciplinary Committee found Tanjong Pagar United FC guilty of failing to ensure its players conducted themselves in a sporting manner during the match.

The football club has been fined S$5,000, with S$2,500 suspended until Dec. 31, 2026, provided no similar misconduct occurs again.

Tanjong Pagar United posted a statement on its social media apologising for the harm and distress caused to the Albirex Niigata player due to the "uncalled-for assault."

"We assure you that we do not condone such behaviour and take this matter very seriously. It is our priority to ensure a safe and respectful environment within our club and the broader football community."

On Feb. 12, Tanjong Pagar United announced that Aniq's contract with the club had been terminated.

Unsportsman-like

The incident occurred on Feb. 10 after Tanjong Pagar United had just beaten Albirex Niigata 3-2.

Tanjong Pagar United player number 65, Aniq, appeared to shake the Albirex Niigata player, Kenji Austin Ho’s, hand before punching him in the face.

The field erupted into chaos, with both teams separating the two players.

Aniq walked off the field as the referees stepped in to address the situation, but soon dashed back onto the field to punch Ho again.

Ho collapsed to the ground, and Aniq's teammate pulled him away.

The Singapore Police Force said it received a call for assistance at 21 Jurong East Street 31 on Feb. 10 at about 9:40pm.

A 20-year-old man was conveyed conscious to the hospital.

A 19-year-old man was arrested for public nuisance and is also being investigated for voluntarily causing hurt.

Top photo via TMSG