News
David Neo apologised for 'idiots' comment at Asian Cup match: HK officials
He made the remark after Singapore's win against Hong Kong at the Asian Cup qualifier on Nov. 18.
November 22, 2025, 11:54 AM
Acting Minister for Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY) David Neo has apologised to Hong Kong's Culture, Sports and Tourism secretary Rosanna Law for calling Hong Kong football players and fans "idiots" following Singapore's historic win at the Asian Cup qualifier match against Hong Kong on Nov. 18.
The formal apology was issued via email, Hong Kong's Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau said on Nov. 21, reported The Straits Times.
Background
Following Singapore's win at the match, which saw the team qualify for the Asian Cup on merit for the first time, Neo was caught on camera during an Instagram livestream by Ikhsan Fandi making the remarks in the team's locker room.
"You kena (got) pressured by them, all the fans were bloody idiots, and the players, they also played like idiots... but you all played like Lions!" said Neo.
He later retracted his words while responding to a comment on Instagram by an online user, who criticised Neo's remarks as "totally out of order as a minister".
"Indeed I probably should have been more respectful. I take back what I said," he responded.
Related stories:
Top images via David Neo/Facebook
