Kota Kinabalu: Sabah FC’s head coach Jean-Paul de Marigny has come forward to refute allegations of racism made by PDRM FC player Fadi Awad following the Super League match between the two teams at Selayang Stadium on Saturday.
This followed a post from the Jordanian midfielder on social media after the match, accusing De Marigny of being disrespectful in front of others by uttering inappropriate language towards him.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the Australian said the match was highly physical, and he only approached the player briefly in the first half to ask him to stop striking Sabah players after challenges.
“The exchange lasted no more than 30 to 45 seconds. I repeated my request in a firmer tone, but at no point did I insult him,” he said.
He added that if the player felt disrespected, he is willing to apologise for the misunderstanding, but will not apologise for protecting his team.
“To suggest racism based on such a brief interaction is unfair and deeply offensive,” he stressed.
He also reflected on his 45-year career in football, having worked with players from diverse cultures worldwide as well as his personal background to have grown up in multicultural Australia and raising a family connected to multiple ethnicities.
“Racism is something we take very seriously in Australia and it is never tolerated,” he said.
He concluded by wishing Fadi Awad well in his career, expressing hope that the player finds “his better self, happiness and peace.”
