David Neo issues formal apology to Hong Kong over “idiots” remark after Asian Cup qualifier

Singapore’s Acting Minister for Culture, Community and Youth David Neo has issued a formal apology to Hong Kong authorities following a controversial post-match comment in which he referred to Hong Kong football fans and players as “idiots”.

According to AFP, the apology, conveyed via e-mail, was addressed to Rosanna Law, the Permanent Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism in Hong Kong, and was confirmed by the city’s Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau on 21 November, 2025.

The bureau stated that Neo’s comments were made following Singapore’s historic 2–1 win over Hong Kong on 18 November, which secured their qualification for the 2027 Asian Cup on merit — a first since their participation as hosts in 1984.

In his post-match locker room speech, which was livestreamed on Instagram and widely circulated online, Neo told the team:

“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.”

The comments were met with criticism from the public, commentators, and political observers, who described them as disrespectful and inappropriate for a public official. Several users commented on platforms such as TMSGoal, questioning the tone and calling for a formal retraction.

Neo initially responded informally via social media on 19 November, writing in reply to an Instagram user:

“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.”

This earlier response prompted a mix of reactions, with some users defending the minister’s passionate locker room tone and others calling for more accountability, especially given his political position.

Hong Kong’s Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau has since confirmed that Neo’s formal apology was received and noted that the incident will not affect bilateral ties. According to the statement, Rosanna Law said the episode would not impact the “long-standing sports and cultural relationship between Hong Kong and Singapore”.

The controversy briefly overshadowed Singapore’s qualification achievement, which saw them come from behind to beat Hong Kong. Goals from Shawal Anuar and Ilhan Fandi overturned an early deficit, securing Singapore’s place at the 2027 Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia.

President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and other public figures praised the team’s determination and performance. The Lions' qualification marks a turning point for Singapore football, following years of near misses and growing calls for a revival in domestic sporting success.