NSTP photographer allegedly 'assaulted' by T-team player,coach

Tengku Syamim Tengku Ismail, 21, suffered the injuries when T-Team's import player George Boateng allegedly tried to prevent the victim from taking pictures and later tried to grab the camera when Tengku Syamin continued to snap pictures of events unfolding on the field.

During the 5.15pm incident, Tengku Syamin was assigned to take pictures of the T-Team management handing over a letter to T-Team coach Peter Butler, informing him that he would be rested for 30 days, effective today.

Butler who is also the T-Team manager had repeatedly tried to 'chase' the 21-year-old photographer away but when he was slow in leaving the place, the English coach was alleged to have shoved and abused the victim by using harsh words like 'bodoh' (stupid).

The 'leave' letter was handed to Butler by Kuala Terengganu District Football Association secretary Ali Embong.

Tengku Syamin who later lodged a report at the Kuala Terengganu Police station said just when he had walked a little distance away from Butler but continued snapping pictures, Boateng suddenly intervened and tried to grab his camera.

"I refused to allow Boateng to grab my camera for fear that he may damage the camera but the player continued to apply pressure by twisting my arm. I was shocked by his action but managed to hold on to my camera," he said.

"I hope the T-Team management will take the necessary action to avoid other journalists suffering a similar fate. I was there only to do my job. I had high regards for the coach and the player but shocked by their action."

Meanwhile, T-Team chief executive officer Ab Rasid Jusoh who expressed regret over the incident, promised to carry out a thorough investigation.

"We will take the necessary action if the coach and player were found to have acted in such a manner," he said.