Hong Kong defender Shinichi Chan ready to grab second chance after ‘big, big mistake’ that led to 1-year ban
- Shinichi Chan back with Hong Kong set-up more than two years after last international appearance
- Chan was one of several players hit with heavy bans for his part in a drunken brawl that left a hotel room trashed
Shinichi Chan said he was determined to seize his second chance with Hong Kong after a “big, big mistake” stalled the talented left-back’s international career.
The Kitchee player is pushing for a start in Monday’s friendly meeting with Brunei, after a late substitute appearance in Cambodia on Thursday drew a line under a 27-month national-team absence.
Chan, who turned 21 last week, was hit with a 12-month Hong Kong FA ban after the player and several teammates reportedly damaged hotel rooms during a drinking session in Japan following an U23 match in October 2021.
But his return to the international fold was delayed by a foot fracture sustained while on loan with Spanish club Real Union last season.
But in finally linking up with Jorn Anderson’s team, he acknowledged his mistakes for the incident two years ago.
“It was my fault, for sure, my age was irrelevant. I started as a professional at 16, so there was no excuse for me,” Chan, who was barely 19 at the time, said.
