WHAT was a very exciting and competitive match between two of the best clubs in the country was marred by controversy after Cebu FC was forced to give Philippines Football League (PFL) defending champion United City FC (UCFC) a free goal in the spirit of “fair play” for a 3-3 draw last Saturday at the Dynamic Herb-Borromeo Sports Complex.
After a 2-2 deadlock, Cebu FC scored the go-ahead goal in the 65th minute after Turkish winger Mert Altinoz hit the back of the net on an unguarded goal. During the play’s build-up, UCFC goalkeeper Anthony Pinthus was on the ground apparently injured. Pinthus and some of the UCFC players were furious that the goal was allowed by the referee and demanded “fair play.” Some UCFC players even attempted to walk out of the match.
“Of course, we started roughly in the first half. I’ll admit, we didn’t play our game well. We were down 2-0. I told the players that we’re going to win this match is ours, that we’ll score the goal and we will get the game back,” said Cebu FC head coach Mehmet Kakil. “There was that complication in the third goal. We had to also do ‘fair play.’ At the end of the day, ‘fair play’ is also the right thing to do. So, we gave the ‘fair play.’ Normally, us as a team, I want to show less of the gentlemanship and more of the fighting spirit of playing football because in football you can’t just show gentlemanship all the time. You also must challenge and fight for your right.”
In the spirit of “fair play,” Cebu FC allowed UCFC to score a free goal compliments of Mark Hartmann in the 78th minute.
“Regarding the third goal, we respect the officials, we respect UCFC, we respect PFL, that’s why we did the fair play,” said winger JB Borlongan, who was named “Man of the Match”.
Argentinean midfielder Ricki Sendra came out strong against his former team and scored two quick goals in the third and fourth-minute.
Cebu FC, however, clawed its way back into the match after a goal by Marius Kore in the 13th minute, Borlongan scored the equalizer in the 22nd minute.
On the other hand, Azkals Development Team (ADT) scored with a penalty late in the match to force a 1-1 draw with Maharlika Manila FC.
Spencer Galaza put Maharlika FC ahead with a goal in the 67th minute. However, Jacob Mantini converted a timely penalty kick in the 83rd minute for a draw and share the points with Mahalika FC.
Kaya FC-Iloilo played against Mendiola FC 1991 as of press time yesterday.
Cebu FC maintained its position at the top with 21 points, while UCFC stayed at second with 20 points. Kaya FC is third with 18 points, Stallion Laguna FC is fourth with 15 points, ADT is fifth with eight points, Mendiola FC is sixth with three points and Maharlika FC is last and earned its first point in the league.