Tanjong Pagar United footballer’s contract terminated after punching incident in U-21 game

SINGAPORE – Tanjong Pagar United midfielder Aniq Rizqin has expressed remorse over his red mist and apologised for his actions at the end of a Singapore Premier League (SPL) Under-21 League game on Feb 10.

The 19-year-old had punched two Albirex Niigata players after the Jaguars’ 3-2 win at Jurong East Stadium, leading to his

arrest on the same night.

Speaking to The Straits Times on Feb 12, after the club had terminated his contract, Aniq said: “I would like to apologise to everyone at the stadium, Albirex and both players that I have hurt.

“I understand that my actions were unnecessary and uncalled for.

“It was a mistake that I have made... I assure that this will not happen again.”

Earlier on Feb 12, the club announced on social media that they had terminated Aniq’s contract.

They said in a statement: “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 had met with the team manager, coaches and players of the U-21 team to review the incident. After careful consideration, the club has decided to terminate the contract with Aniq Rizqin with immediate effect.”

The Jaguars added that they “will continue to provide assistance to Aniq and to the authorities with regards to the police investigation” and are in touch with Albirex “to offer support to the affected player”.

In videos filmed by spectators at the stadium and posted online, Aniq is seen throwing a punch at Albirex defender Sim Jun Yen, 17, during the post-match handshakes.

Albirex defender Kenji Austin Ho, 20, then intervenes by pushing Aniq away but seconds later, the latter sprints towards Ho to land a blow on his face, leaving the player motionless on the ground as teammates pull Aniq away.

The Singapore Police Force said on Feb 11 in response to queries that it received a call for assistance at 21 Jurong East Street 31 at about 9.40pm on Feb 10.

It added that “a 20-year-old man was conveyed conscious to the hospital” and “a 19-year-old man was subsequently arrested for public nuisance and is also being investigated for voluntarily causing hurt”.

Police investigations are ongoing, while the Football Association of Singapore said it is also probing the incident.

Aniq has since written a letter of apology addressed to Albirex and handed it to Tanjong Pagar.

That was his last match before he was due for national service (NS) enlistment on Feb 11. He did not report for NS, as he was held for questioning overnight at the Police Cantonment Complex.

He will enlist this week, but declined to divulge more details.

Aniq added: “I was pressured to give my best since this was my last game. I could have improved on controlling my behaviour and my emotions.”

Aniq, who made his senior SPL debut in September 2024 in a 6-0 defeat by Lion City Sailors and has three top-flight appearances, wants to move on from the incident and hopes he will still have an opportunity to play professional football after NS.

He added: “If conditions allow, I definitely want to return to the football scene.

“I hope (people) will give me a second chance.

“This was a mistake I made and I am very regretful. Maybe I am not mature enough right now and as time (in NS) goes by, I’ll be more matured and definitely learn how to control my emotions.”