David Neo apologises for 'idiots' remark via email, says Hong Kong
Singapore's Acting Minister for Culture, Community and Youth David Neo has apologised for calling Hong Kong's football players and fans "idiots" after a decisive Asian Cup qualifier, the territory said on Nov 21.
Mr Neo "conveyed his apologies through e-mail" to sports and cultural affairs official Rosanna Law, Hong Kong's Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau told AFP.
Ms Law added that the incident would not affect the long-standing sports and cultural relationship between Hong Kong and Singapore.
The Republic made history with a 2-1 win in Hong Kong on Nov 18, which meant they qualified for the continental showpiece on merit for the first time ever.
Speaking to the Singapore players in the changing room after the game, Mr Neo told the players: "You (were) pressured by them, all the fans were bloody idiots, end up players... they also played like idiots, but you all played like lions."
In response to an Instagram comment, the minister acknowledged that his words were "totally out of order" and that he "should have been more respectful".
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