Philippine Azkals vs Uzbekistan during their Fifa World Cup qualifying. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
A group of supporters of the Philippine Azkals were reduced to chants and songs after drums were banned during the Fifa World Cup Qualifying match against Uzbekistan Tuesday night at Philippine Sports Stadium.
Ultras Filipinas expressed dismay over the policy, pointing out that a group of Uzbekistan fans were allowed to bring their own drums inside the stadium.
The Azkals suffered a 1-5 defeat to the Uzbeks.
READ: Uzbeks find form, overwhelm Azkals
The Ultras took to social media to voice its displeasure with the ruling, and even answered queries from fellow fans.
The account @UltrasFilipinas explained, “To people asking if we can ask PFF, pinag-papasahan lang kami ng mga opisyal when we went to their office last time.”
Philippine Football Federation (PFF) general secretary Ed Gastanes explained in a text message to INQUIRER.net that the rule was enforced by Singaporean match commissioner Salikin Bin Sarkawi.
“The Match Commissioner did not allow drums inside the stadium during the match,” Gastanes said. “Uzbekistan Support Fans drums were not also allowed. Such matters are within his authority.”
The International Football Federation has put up strict measures to avoid fan violence within the crowd during matches, but there have been no such incidents in the Philippines.