IN THE aftermath of the fan violence following the Singapore-Vietnam Suzuki Cup semi-final match last Sunday, one sore point remains.

The hooligans who so brutally attacked the Vietnamese fans outside the National Stadium have escaped punishment for their actions.

As reports suggest, several Vietnamese fans were left with blood on their faces and other injuries. Their assailants, on the other hand, were free to go home after using rival fans as a post-match punching bag.

Despite a significant security presence in and around the stadium, no arrests were made. It is also believed that no police reports were lodged by the victims.

All this may mislead one to think crime does not necessarily lead to punishment - at least not during football games.

Granted, it is no easy task tracking down the guilty parties, especially if the victims don't speak out. The video clips of the clashes on YouTube, while damning, are just too blurry.

But instead of just looking at how to prevent similar incidents in the future, the authorities need to make a meaningful effort to find the attackers. The law should get tough on football violence, not least to serve as a deterrence.

Send the right message out, and potential hooligans will think twice about throwing a punch after a football match the next time.

See what readers have said on the matter at Terrence's previous entry here.