October 5, 2004
It seem trouble is never far from Tan
Kim Leng as the Stags midfielder alleged that Home
United coach Steve Darby directed a vulgar word at him during the Singapore Cup
Final match.
The incident happen midway through the
second half, when Tan & Protectors keeper Sean Roberts went in fora50-50
challenger inside the penalty box. Play was stopped as Roberts required
treatment with Tan boots catching the
As Roberts was treated, Tan went to
over to Protectors technical area for a sip of water & that was when Tan
claimed Darby abused him.
In Tan own words – He (Darby) said to
me ‘How dare you call yourself a F****** national player’
Tan claimed he was furious & if
not for his chairman & team-mates who came over to restrained
him & cooled him down much harm could have been done.
He was then whisked away to where the
Stags bench was
Tan added he never expected a
professional coach & a public figure like Darby to conduct himself in this
manner.
This is not the
first time Tan & Darby clashed as in a league game last year Tan spat at
Darby after the player alleged the Englishman had used four-letter expletive on
him as both made their way to the dressing rooms at half-time