S-League players fight before kick-off

Etoile FC players leaving after their match against Hougang United was called off. TNP PHOTO: Choo Chwee Hua

Another shameful free-for-all has erupted, less than nine months after the "worst footbrawl in S-League history" occurred last September.

Last night, players from Hougang United and defending champions Etoile FC clashed at the Hougang Stadium, forcing match commissioner A Raamasamy to abandon the match, even before the first whistle was blown.

From eye-witnesses' accounts, the fracas began during warm-up at around 7.10pm, after a football used by Etoile FC strayed into the Hougang practice area.

A source from Hougang United told The New Paper that Etoile's reserve goalkeeper came into Hougang's half and headbutted Hougang assistant coach Hasrin Jailani.

A source from Etoile FC, however, disputed that version of events, and said that goalkeeper Antonin Trilles was verbally abused and even kicked by Hougang United's assistant coach.