KUALA LUMPUR — Sabah FC head coach Jean-Paul de Marigny has firmly denied allegations of racism made against him by PDRM FC midfielder Fadi Awad, calling the accusation baseless and hurtful.
The claim surfaced after Sabah’s 4–1 victory over PDRM at the Selayang Municipal Stadium on Saturday. Jean-Paul described the match as “highly physical,” saying this prompted him to approach Fadi in the first half to address what he saw as overly aggressive challenges on Sabah players.
“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 in a statement today.
Jean-Paul added that while he was willing to apologise if Fadi felt disrespected, he stood by his decision to defend his squad.
“To suggest racism based on such a brief interaction is unfair and deeply offensive,” he stressed, highlighting his 45 years in football working with players from diverse cultural backgrounds.
The Australian-born coach also referenced his upbringing and family life, noting that he grew up in multicultural Australia and now raises a family connected to multiple ethnicities.
“Racism is something we take very seriously in Australia, and it is never tolerated,” he said.
Wishing Fadi well, Jean-Paul concluded by expressing hope that the player finds “his better self, happiness and peace.” – December 9, 2025