SG acting minister apologises for calling HK football players and fans ‘idiots’

Singapore’s acting minister for culture, community and youth David Neo has apologised after calling Hong Kong football players and fans “idiots”. 

This follows the 2027 AFC Asian Cup qualifiers held in Hong Kong on Tuesday (18 November), where the Hong Kong team lost 1-2 to Singapore at home, missing their opportunity to advance to the final round.

In a livestream video, Neo praised Singapore’s winning football players following the match, saying that “all the [Hong Kong] fans were bloody idiots, and the players – they also played like idiots. But you all played like lions.”

The clip has drawn mixed reactions from netizens on Instagram, with some criticising him for his remarks, MARKETING-INTERACTIVE confirmed. In response to a comment under the livestream video reposted by @tmsgoal, Neo said:  “Indeed I probably should have been more respectful. I take back what I said. The Hong Kong team were really tough and their fans were fully behind them. That’s something we should respect, and let’s also get behind our Lions.”

Indeed, comments among netizens are divided, with some congratulating the Singapore team on their victory, while others argue that he showed a lack of respect for the opponent and their fans, demonstrating poor sportsmanship. Some also questioned whether he, as a government official, was speaking on behalf of the entire Singapore government.

MARKETING-INTERACTIVE has reached out to Singapore's Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth for a statement.

Don’t miss: Record attendance at Kai Tak as HK loses to SG in Asian Cup qualifier

Held on Tuesday, the 2027 AFC Asian Cup qualifiers held at the main stadium of Kai Tak Sports Park attracted 47,762 spectators, setting a new attendance record at the venue.

While the Hong Kong team took the lead last night, going up 1-0 at halftime, the second half saw Singapore make a strong comeback after a substitution. In the 63rd minute, Singapore equalised with a clean shot, followed by a powerful strike in the 68th minute that put them ahead. In just five minutes, the Hong Kong team's lead turned into a deficit, resulting in a final score of 1-2.

A red sea of Hong Kong team supporters filled the stadium throughout the night, armed with a newly designed Tifo and roaring voices to fuel the team’s quest for a spot in the 2027 AFC Asian Cup. The North stand's support area featured a giant Tifo featuring the image of a person wearing the number 12 Hong Kong jersey walking toward a boarding pass labeled "Asian Cup" as the destination. Below it, a large banner read, "BRING US TO THE ASIAN CUP 2027".

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