SINGAPORE, June 2 — SEA Games contingent chef-de-mission (CDM) Datuk Seri Mohamad Norza Zakaria is determined to send home Harimau Muda player Muhammad Nazmi Faiz Mansor who was involved in a ‘spitting’ incident during Malaysia’s opening Group B match against Timor Leste on Saturday.
Mohamad Norza said the player need to be send home because his action had not only tarnished the image of the team but the image of the country and the fact that he did not display any sportsmanship.
“We had wanted to send him home sooner but SEA Games football team manager Datuk Seri Afandi Hamzah wanted the decision to be put on hold to see what kind of disciplinary action was taken against him by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC),” he told reporters at a flag raising ceremony at the Singapore National Stadium, here today.
Nazmi was angered by a rash challenge by Timor Leste’s Filipe Oliveira in the 31st minute and had allegedly spat in retaliation.
The incident was spotted by fourth match official Yousef Almarzouq who later informed referee Foo Chuan Hui of Singapore and the latter gave Nazmi the marching orders.
In the match, Datuk Ong Kim Swee’s boys managed to beat Timor Leste 1-0 despite having to play two-thirds of the match with 10-man.
“Every athlete competing in a major competition outside the country must be disciplined to safeguard the image of the country because they become the country’s ambassadors at competitions held in another country,” he said.
Mohamad Norza said he would not compromise on indiscipline. — Bernama
