Tampines want Mehmet’s suspension overturned

SINGAPORE — It was a moment that left Billy Mehmet shocked.

Four minutes before the end of Tampines Rovers’ win-or-bust AFC Cup tie against Selangor FA at the National Stadium on Tuesday night, the Englishman was shown a second yellow card for apparently lashing out at a Selangor player.

But television replays subsequently showed that he made no contact with any opposition player.

The Stags went on to win 1-0 to book their place in the last 16 of the AFC Cup for the first time since 2011, and will travel to India to play Mohun Bagan on May 24.

As things stand, Mehmet will miss the game through suspension, but the five-time S.League champions are planning to appeal the decision to ensure that their star striker, who has scored four goals in the tournament, is available.

“Billy is an important player for us and we will by all means try to get his suspension lifted for the game,” said Tampines head coach V Sundramoorthy after training yesterday evening. “If we appeal, there is every chance he can be available because the replays clearly showed he was not in the wrong.”

The 50-year-old added: “We need Billy because he is a focal point of our attack and we will see how things go in the next few weeks. Hopefully, he will be able to play.”

Mehmet told TODAY that his protests of innocence to referee Jameel Juma Abdulhusain Mohamed fell on deaf ears. “I could not even explain to him,” said the 31-year-old. “Sometimes, as you know, referees do not want to speak, but I simply knew I never did anything wrong and it’s not as though I hit anyone. I hope the club’s appeal is successful.”

While Mehmet eagerly awaits the outcome of the appeal, he will need to continue to find the back of the net for his side on the pitch, starting tonight at the Jalan Besar Stadium against a resurgent Home United.

After failing to win their first four matches, the Protectors went on to win four of their next six games, and Mehmet is well aware of the threat that they will pose.

“No game is ever easy for us because clubs alway raise their game when they face us,” said Mehmet, who has scored four times in the S.League this season. “Home have been playing well recently and they have goalscorers all across their team. We have to be at our best and play the way we always do.”

Tampines will have Canadian winger Jordan Webb available after he missed the last two league matches through injury, while star signing Jermaine Pennant has recovered from a knock he received during the Selangor game.

“Both Jermaine and Jordan will play some part against Home but I have not decided whether they will start or not,” said Sundram.

“We need some fresh legs in the team considering we play Warriors FC next Tuesday.

“No game is an easy game in the S.League but it is all about us. If we turn up and play well, we can get the three points in the bag.”

AMANPREET SINGH

The game will be shown live on StarHub Ch 112/205 at 7.30 pm

Prediction: Tampines Rovers 2-2 Home United

Other matches this week:

Balestier Khalsa vs Geylang International (Saturday, 7.30 pm, Toa Payoh Stadium)

Prediction: Balestier 1-1 Geylang

Brunei DPMM vs Hougang United (Saturday, 8.15 pm, Bandar Seri Begawan)

Prediction: DPMM 1-2 Hougang