SG acting minister apologises for calling HK football players and fans ‘idiots’

Singapore’s acting minister for culture, community and youth David Neo has apologised after calling Hong Kong football players and fans “idiots”. 

This follows the 2027 AFC Asian Cup qualifiers held in Hong Kong on Tuesday (18 November), where the Hong Kong team lost 1-2 to Singapore at home, missing their opportunity to advance to the final round.

In a livestream video, Neo praised Singapore’s winning football players following the match, saying that “all the [Hong Kong] fans were bloody idiots, and the players – they also played like idiots. But you all played like lions.”

Don’t miss: Record attendance at Kai Tak as HK loses to SG in Asian Cup qualifier 

The clip has drawn mixed reactions from netizens on Instagram, with some criticising him for his remarks, MARKETING-INTERACTIVE confirmed. In response to a comment under the livestream video reposted by @tmsgoal, Neo said: “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.”

Comments seen by MARKETING-INTERACTIVE are divided, with some congratulating the Singapore team on their victory, while others argue that he showed a lack of respect for the opponent and their fans, demonstrating poor sportsmanship. Some also questioned whether he, as a government official, was speaking on behalf of the entire Singapore government.

MARKETING-INTERACTIVE has reached out to Singapore's Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth for a statement.

Spontaneity versus responsibility

Lars Voedisch, group CEO of PRecious Communications, said Neo’s apology felt “half-baked” and more corporate than personal. “He didn’t go back and own it personally. It would have been much easier to say something like, ‘Hey, I’m sorry. It was the heat of the moment. That’s what passion for football sometimes does. Take it with a pinch of salt. I know I overstepped somewhere around there.’ Fans would then likely respond, ‘Yeah, okay, we get it. Sorry accepted.’ After all, we’ve all called referees or other teams names at some point.”

Voedisch added that context matters and standards vary by market. “In Singapore, we take a more measured approach and expect different behaviour from our representatives. Being spontaneous is fine, but you have to be smart about it. If you’re in the public eye, or politics. you’re always in the limelight and must manage your reactions.”

Jose Raymond, managing director of SW Strategies and founder of TMSGoal, echoed that perspective. He described the remarks as a “Freudian slip, a momentary lapse of judgment in the heat of football pleasure, given the gravity of the result in Singapore footballing terms.” Raymond noted that such off-the-cuff comments from a political officeholder can sometimes lead to diplomatic tensions.

He added that the incident raised questions about whether Neo had prepared his talking points for the livestream or spoke spontaneously. “If the latter, then the causation is explained. The practical advice is that he should never attempt such dressing-room pep talks without preparation, especially if it is not something he does often.”

Raymond also noted that Neo’s swift apology, posted in response to a comment on TMSGoal, was likely coordinated with his communications team to ensure the media were aware and the message was widely communicated.

Together, both experts highlighted the balance public figures must strike between passion and professionalism. While Neo’s remarks show he is human, they also underscore the higher expectations for officeholders in Singapore. Both Raymond and Voedisch emphasise that mistakes can become opportunities to demonstrate accountability, reflection, and improved conduct in the future.

Held on Tuesday, the 2027 AFC Asian Cup qualifiers held at the main stadium of Kai Tak Sports Park attracted 47,762 spectators, setting a new attendance record at the venue.

While the Hong Kong team took the lead last night, going up 1-0 at halftime, the second half saw Singapore make a strong comeback after a substitution. In the 63rd minute, Singapore equalised with a clean shot, followed by a powerful strike in the 68th minute that put them ahead. In just five minutes, the Hong Kong team's lead turned into a deficit, resulting in a final score of 1-2.

A red sea of Hong Kong team supporters filled the stadium throughout the night, armed with a newly designed Tifo and roaring voices to fuel the team’s quest for a spot in the 2027 AFC Asian Cup. The North stand's support area featured a giant Tifo featuring the image of a person wearing the number 12 Hong Kong jersey walking toward a boarding pass labeled "Asian Cup" as the destination. Below it, a large banner read, "BRING US TO THE ASIAN CUP 2027".

Related articles:
Interview: Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler on brand loyalty in the world of football
Sports and concerts drive APAC travel as fans prioritise experiences  
From courts to feeds: How APAC fans are shaping the future of sport