Tanjong Pagar terminates U-21 footballer's contract after punching incident
The 19-year-old appeared to throw a punch at an Albirex Niigata opponent following a Singapore Premier League Under-21 game.
A screenshot taken from a video circulating online of the punching incident that took place after a Singapore Premier League U-21 match between Tanjong Pagar United and Albirex Niigata on Feb 10, 2025.
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SINGAPORE: Tanjong Pagar United has terminated the contract of footballer Aniq Rizqin after he allegedly punched an Albirex Niigata opponent following a Singapore Premier League Under-21 game.
In a post on Instagram and Facebook on Wednesday (Feb 12), the club said that the decision was made after "careful consideration". The club had met with the team manager, coaches and players of the Under-21 team to review the incident.
In videos circulating online, Aniq appeared to throw a punch during the post-match handshakes on Monday. Shortly after, he sprints from the touchline to land a blow on an Albirex player.
The police said on Tuesday that a 19-year-old man was arrested for public nuisance and is being investigated for voluntarily causing hurt.
Tanjong Pagar said on Wednesday that it will continue to assist Aniq and the authorities with regards to the police investigation.
"Tanjong Pagar United Football Club would like to apologise to the club’s fans and supporters, and to the fans of football for the post-match incident involving our U-21 player," the club said.
"The club does not condone violence and unsportsmanlike behaviours on and off the field," it added.Â
"We have reiterated this message to all staff, players and committee members of TPUFC. We expect our players to maintain and uphold the standards of a footballer."
It is also in touch with Albirex Niigata to offer support to the affected player.
In a Facebook post on Tuesday night, Albirex said that its player, Kenji Austin Ho, was admitted to hospital after being hit in the head. He was discharged on Tuesday morning following scans and examination.
"We will continue to monitor Ho closely and follow the medical protocols to ensure his safe return to play," Albirex said.
"We have conducted our own investigation and are pleased to report that none of our players, including Ho, and team staff were involved in any retaliatory actions," added the club.
"They have behaved in a dignified manner throughout the incident."
The club said it has referred the matter to the Football Association of Singapore (FAS) and will not be making further comments. The FAS confirmed on Tuesday that it was notified of the incident.
