University of the Philippines’ reign as defending UAAP Collegiate Men’s Football champion came to a sudden end last Sunday after a 1-0 loss to Far Eastern University, which advanced to the final in a match marked by intense play and a brief altercation.
With the score still tied, a melee broke out just before halftime when UP’s Florenz Tacardon and FEU’s RJ Pescadera clashed over a loose ball.
It took officials six minutes to regain control as members of the Fighting Maroons, led by coach Popoy Clarino, charged toward the Tamaraws’ bench.
Once order was restored, yellow cards were issued to Tacardon and CJ Donato of UP, and Rustel Buenave of FEU.
Clarino and FEU defender Mel Anthony Baylon were both sent off for their involvement.
Adding to UP’s frustration, Tamaraws substitute Karl Abaslon capitalized on a miscommunication between Fighting Maroons defender Charles Lobitaña and goalkeeper Alfonzo Gonzales, scoring the game-winning goal in the 76th minute.
Once the dust settled, UP issued a statement on Wednesday apologizing for its actions while also addressing the conduct of FEU during the incident.
“We, the players and staff of the UP Men’s Football Team, sincerely apologize to the UP Community for our actions displayed during this match,” the statement read. “As representatives of the University, we carry the responsibility of representing our school proudly by upholding the values of honor, excellence, and service.
“Unfortunately, in an effort to protect our player from the disrespectful actions displayed by the opposing team, we failed to extend the same level of sportsmanship expected of us. We acknowledge the rash display from our end was uncalled for and should not have escalated further. However, we would also like to address that we do not condone the disrespect and rude behavior of our opponents.”
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Despite the loss, Clarino remained dignified after the match, praising his players for their hard work throughout the season and wishing FEU luck in the finals against Ateneo.
“I think, given the hardships that we went through, I am very proud of what the boys achieved throughout this season,” he said. “It was a tough season, halos walang break. Our players sacrificed a lot. The provincial players had less time to spend with their families back home but they sacrificed and they put in the work. FEU played very well, and we have to give credit where credit is due, so good luck to them in the Final.
“We have leaders that really guided these young ones. We have Macky Tobias, Florenz Tacardon, and Charles Lobitaña. They really stepped up, and with the younger ones, they really embraced the culture of the team. They wanted to learn. Hopefully, they will be the ones who will pass on the torch to the other young ones.”
Now, UP shifts its focus to the future.
Although the goal of back-to-back championships was not achieved, Clarino believes the setback will only make his team stronger and more determined to reclaim the title next year.
“We just want them to bring this experience to the next season. The only way we can improve is to really learn from this. We had a goal we weren’t successful in meeting, but now we want to bring this motivation leading to the next stages,” Clarino said.
“We’ll give everyone time to rest and reflect, and we’ll start working next year.”
