Clear guidance needed despite apology letter for racism

Singapore Premier League (SPL) club Balestier Khalsa have forwarded a letter of apology from a parent of an Under-15 player to ActiveSG Football Academy, following alleged racist abuse from the parent during a Singapore Youth League match on Nov 2.

- Melvyn Teoh

The parent allegedly directed abuse at an ActiveSG player during the match at Kallang Football Hub, which Balestier won 4-1.

In a statement posted on their social media on Nov 3, Balestier vice-chairman Darwin Jalil said the club management has "engaged the relevant parties and spoken to representatives from our opponent to mediate the matter".

He added: "The club has forwarded a written apology to ActiveSG Football Academy from the parent who admitted to the allegations."

When contacted, ActiveSG Football Academy principal Aleksandar Duric said of the incident: "I have a feeling that this will not be the last time that this will happen again. Because if we don't stop this, sooner or later, there will be more and more.

"I understand that there are parents with a lot of jealousy and anger and sooner or later, this will go out of hand.

"We have to really settle this once and for all, because anybody can apologise after doing this."