PH booters want sexual harassment probe to continue

KATHMANDU—Their performance on the pitch may have taken some of the spotlight out of the sexual harassment complaint filed against two of their players, but the Philippine Azkals insist that the investigation should push through regardless of the outcome of their AFC Challenge Cup campaign here.

Lexton Moy and Angel Guirado have been accused by AFC match commissioner Cristy Ramos of sexual harassment for their conduct in the pre-match inspection in the friendly against Malaysia.

“Whatever happens at home with the investigation, it must go on because we want the truth to come out,” said Azkals manager Dan Palami.

The Azkals reached the semifinals for the first time in the tournament, after winning over former champions India and Tajikistan. But Palami said that should not exempt the players involved from punishment if there was, indeed, wrongdoing on their part.

“With or without good results here, we want get to the bottom of this and finally put a closure on the issue that is now feasted on by detractors,” said Palami.

In her complaint before the AFC Disciplinary Committee, Ramos alleged that Moy “stood by my right side and said in a loud voice ‘Must be a B Cup’ to which the players laughed loudly.”

Guirado, Ramos claimed, was only wearing his underwear when Ramos conducted the inspection. Guirado has disputed the allegation, saying he was wearing his game shorts at the time of the incident.

Moy has apologized to Ramos and called the incident a misunderstanding since his comment was only directed at teammate Denis Wolf, who joked with the pectoral muscle of another player, Carli de Murga.

Meanwhile, Philippine Football Federation president Mariano “Nonong” Araneta has promised a $1,000 bonus for the players for reaching the semifinals of the eight-nation tournament.