The Football Association of Singapore (FAS) Referees Department, together with its Refereeing Technical Panel (RTP), has concluded its review of two incidents from the following Singapore Premier League (SPL) 2025/26 fixtures:
SPL Match 58: Geylang International vs Albirex Niigata (S)
SPL Match 60: Tanjong Pagar United vs BG Tampines Rovers
Review and Findings
Following the review, the RTP determined that errors in judgment were made by the respective referees in both fixtures. The findings are set out below.
Incident 1 — SPL Match 58: Geylang International vs Albirex Niigata (S)
In the match between Geylang International and Albirex Niigata (S), played on Sunday, 15 March 2026 at Our Tampines Hub, an incident occurred involving a tackle by Geylang player Shakir Hamzah, on Albirex player Abdul Rasaq. The referee, Mohamad Taufik Thana, assessed the challenge as careless in nature and awarded a direct free kick in favour of Albirex without any disciplinary sanction to Shakir Hamzah.
Upon review, the Video Assistant Referee (VAR), Shadiq Al-Hussain, identified the use of excessive force in the challenge and recommended an On-Field Review (OFR) for a potential red card offence for Serious Foul Play. Following the review at the Referee Review Area (RRA), the referee concluded that the challenge was only reckless and issued a caution to GIFC #11 Shakir Hamzah.
The Refereeing Technical Panel subsequently reviewed the incident and unanimously determined that the challenge met the threshold for Serious Foul Play. This assessment was based on the player’s use of studs with a straightened leg, making forceful contact above the ankle in the Achilles area. Despite being provided with the appropriate review of angles by the VAR, the referee was unable to correctly identify the severity of the offence and did not reach the expected outcome of a red card for Serious Foul Play, as recommended by the VAR.
Incident 2 — SPL Match 60: Tanjong Pagar United vs BG Tampines Rovers
In the match between Tanjong Pagar United and BG Tampines Rovers, played on Monday, 16 March 2026 at Jurong East Stadium, an incident occurred involving a late challenge by Tanjong Pagar player Lougah Junior Dijle on BG Tampines player, Yuki Kobayashi. During the challenge, Lougah Junior Dijle used his arm to strike the side of his opponent’s head with force.
The referee, Ahmad A’Qashah, who had a clear view of the incident, assessed the action to be reckless in nature and issued a caution. Upon review, the VAR, Farhad Mohamad, identified the use of excessive force and recommended an On-Field Review (OFR) for a potential red card offence for Violent Conduct. Following the review at the RRA, the referee maintained his original decision, concluding that the action was only a reckless strike with the arm.
The Refereeing Technical Panel subsequently reviewed the incident and unanimously determined that the act constituted illegal use of the arm and met the threshold for Violent Conduct. This conclusion was based on the delayed nature of the action and the use of the arm to strike the opponent’s head when not challenging for the ball. Despite being provided with the appropriate review angles by the VAR, the referee was unable to correctly identify the seriousness of the offence and did not reach the expected outcome of a red card for Violent Conduct.
Outcome
In line with FAS Refereeing Department protocols, the following actions will be taken:
- The matters have been addressed internally with the match officials concerned, and the requisite corrective and developmental measures will be undertaken.
- Mohamad Taufik Thana and Ahmad A’Qashah have been withdrawn from four (4) subsequent match rounds, with effect from Matchweek 15, which was played from 4 April to 6 April 2026. Their reinstatement to the SPL roster shall be subject to the successful completion of the prescribed remedial training and performance assessment requirements.
- Corrective measures will be implemented to ensure that match officials are able to correctly identify such situations and apply the Laws of the Game consistently.
In both matches, the referee had seen the incident and made a decision on the field of play; the on-field decision would have to be maintained, and the yellow card shall remain on record. Under Article 90.19 of the Singapore Premier League Season 2025/26 Regulations, there is no scope to take retrospective disciplinary action in this matter. Retrospective action may only be taken in cases of serious misconduct that was not seen or acted upon by the match officials at the time.
The FAS remains committed to upholding the integrity of the game and ensuring that all decisions are guided by fairness, transparency, and the Laws of the Game. Following the review of both incidents, appropriate corrective action has been taken with the match officials concerned. FAS is also committed to maintaining high standards of officiating through the continual development, assessment, and accountability of its match officials, to ensure the highest level of performance.
