AMIDST all the high-profile clashes that took place outside the National Stadium on Dec 21, the day Singapore fell to a plucky Vietnam side at the Suzuki Cup semis, there were scenes of genuine sportsmanship that went unnoticed.
Punches and water bottles may have rained down on some of the 3,000-strong Vietnam contingent that infamous day, but there were bouquets too, offered by Singapore fans who knew better.
Immediately after the final whistle, several Singaporeans waded into the visiting fans in the grandstand area, not to pick a fight, but to shake hands with their rivals who had outsung them in the terraces.
Even as hooliganism reared its ugly head later on, not all Singaporeans joined in the verbal and physical abuse.
One example stood out.
As the Vietnam team bus rolled out of the stadium, their players were seen singing and jumping in their seats, buoyed by their unexpected win over the Lions.
One Singapore driver, blared his horn and wound down his window. But instead of an obscene gesture, he smiled broadly and gave the Vietnamese squad the thumbs up.
He knew his team had been beaten fair and square. No more, no less. And he was generous enough to admit it.
Unfortunately, the same could not be said of the riotous pack who besmirched the name of local football when they blatantly attacked the Vietnamese supporters.
Belatedly, the authorities have confirmed they are conducting a probe into the clashes. Better late than never, I say.
But whilst we weed out and prosecute the troublemakers, do not forget that not every die-hard Lions fan was a sore loser on Dec 21.
Some of us do know how to lose graciously.