by Ruf Serafin Rosero
The University of the East Red Warriors’ 4–3 win over Ateneo was meant to be a breakthrough, only it ended up defined by controversy. As the match spiraled in stoppage time, head coach Frank Muescan made a fateful call: to lead his players off the pitch.
Now, after UAAP sanctions have followed, Muescan has released a statement placing the walkout in the context of principle, protection, and integrity.
“First of all, I want to make it clear that my foremost responsibility is to protect my players and to uphold the integrity of the game,” Muescan said. “The decision to walk out during our match was not something taken lightly. It was a last resort, a stand against what we felt were repeated injustices in the officiating.”
Last Sunday, UE had raced to a 4–0 lead through goals by Eldrin Madrid, Jerome Abarca, Bernard Magallon, and John Mariveles. But Ateneo fought back with three goals in the late stages. The spark came when a contentious free kick was awarded against UE during stoppage time, a call the Red Warriors felt had been mishandled. When Muescan motioned for his players to walk off, confusion reigned, some said they “didn’t know what’s going on.” The team was warned by officials that the match could be abandoned, yet players insisted they did not want to forfeit a win they felt they’d earned. Eventually the game resumed, though Muescan himself was ordered off the touchline.
In response, the UAAP Disciplinary Committee levied stern consequences: UE was docked three points, Muescan got a one-match ban with further investigation, defenders Mark Maghinay and Christian Tio were suspended for multiple matches, an unidentified team delegate was barred from match stadiums, and Ateneo coach JP Merida received a touchline ban.
Even so, Muescan struck a tone of respect toward the UAAP while doubling down on his position.
“I respect the UAAP and their ruling on the matter,” he said. “At the same time, I sincerely hope this incident opens the door to meaningful conversations about consistency and transparency in officiating. Every team deserves to play on a level field, judged by the same standards, regardless of the opponent or the circumstance.”
He used his statement to speak to his players — particularly the younger ones — reminding them that life and football will not always be fair, but that how one responds defines character.
“Football — like life — will not always be fair. But our response matters. Discipline, focus, and respect for the game must always remain. I want them to learn that standing for what is right is also part of sportsmanship.”
Turning to the fans, Muescan thanked them for standing by UE and framed the team’s stand as rooted in values, not rebellion.
“The fans deserve honest competition, the players deserve fair judgment, and the sport itself deserves transparency. We will continue to fight with passion on the pitch, but we will never stay silent when we believe the game’s integrity is at stake.”
UE’s next match is against UST on Thursday, October 2 at 7:00 p.m. at the Ayala Vermosa Stadium. The Red Warriors will enter the fixture without key defenders due to suspensions and with a three-point deduction affecting their campaign.
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