SINGAPORE (26 Sept 2015) – THE Singapore League’s (S-League) issued a public apology after more games were postponed after the country’s air pollution index soared to hazardous levels.
Both of last night’s S-League games – Warriors FC v Albirex Niigata (S) FC and Geylang International FC v Hougang United FC – were postponed due to the haze in Singapore which hit 300 on the Pollutant Standard Index (PSI) and has led to an unprecedented closure of primary and secondary schools as well as government-run kindergartens.
Wednesday’s game between Home United and Tampines was also postponed due to the same reason, and more games are expected to suffer the same fate in the coming weeks.
“Dear Fans, as you already know the haze has been affecting the conduct of our S-League matches,” said S-League CEO Lim on the league’s Facebook page.
“I would like to apologise to you for the inconvenience caused and explain the procedure we adopt so that you can understand some of our challenges better.
“Firstly, we endeavour to play and finish the match as far as possible. The cut off time to end a match is at 11.30 pm, similar to the procedure adopted for delays due to activation of lightning warning system.
“Regarding the haze, we will do the following:
“1. At 5pm if the haze’s three hour average is at 300 PSI or above, the match will be abandoned as it is most unlikely to fall below PSI 150 by 7 pm.
“2. At 7pm and 8pm, we will monitor the hourly PSI (three hour average) updates. If it is above 150 but below 200, we will delay the kick-off and wait for the next hour’s update.
“3. If by 9pm the PSI is still above 150, we will abandon the match.
“4. If at anytime the PSI goes past 200 at 7pm or 8pm or 9pm, we will abandon the game immediately.
“5. In all instances if the match is played, it is to be finished by 11.30 pm or the match will be abandoned.
“6. All abandoned matches will start from a 0-0 scoreline.
“It is not easy for us to make decisions as each ruling and decision will set a precedent and our decisions must be consistent to maintain the integrity of the S-League so as to be fair to all clubs.
“I seek your kind understanding. Thank you for your support. Once again our sincere apologies for the inconvenience caused.”
DPMM FC currently lead the 10-team table on 39 points ahead of defending champions Warriors, who have 33 points.
Albirex are third on 32 points while Balestier Khalsa FC are fourth with 31 points – though the former have played one game less than the other three teams. – The Brunei Times
