SINGAPORE — The arena may have been packed to the rafters with fans today (Dec 4) but the players could not see. The fans were eager to scream their support for the players but they found no voice. 

Such was the irony of the situation for Team Singapore’s 5-a-side football team as they began their ASEAN Para Games campaign with a 3-0 defeat by Malaysia at the Marina Bay Sands Convention Centre Hall B tonight.

This is because visually impaired football players depend solely on their hearing to play the game. As such, there were plenty of “silence please” signs urging fans to refrain from cheering.

The team — who play Thailand Sunday, could not see the fans, whom in turn were not allowed to cheer the players on.

But despite the need to keep silent, and the loss to Malaysia, the spirits of the partisan fans — including Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, who paid a surprise visit — were not dampened. Instead, they broke out in cheers and an impromtu display of the Kallang Wave, whenever they are permitted to.

And after the final whistle was blown, the players were finally accorded the loudest cheers and applause of the night. 

“I’m sorry we let the fans down but we really appreciate all their support,” said Singapore captain Tee Wee Leong. “It feels so good to have so many fans cheering us on. We’re really honoured.”

Added coach Richard Tan: “The PM came to watch us. What more can you ask for? It’s a massive boost for us and APG.”