'Vincent Tan Vindicated’

Malaysian journalist R Nadeswaran offers the view from Tan's homeland on the Malky Mackay text scandal which has rocked football


http://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/foot ... an-7689168

Malaysian journalist R Nadeswaran recently wrote an article in The Sun Daily, a newspaper owned by Vincent Tan, where he penned a commentary on the recent Cardiff City text scandal involving Malky Mackay and Iain Moody.

It was headlined: ‘Vincent Vindicated’.


Nadeswaran talks to Tan as one of his senior editors, but maintains the Cardiff City owner has not spoken to him directly on the Mackay situation.

The Bluebirds billionaire says he is bound by a confidentiality clause in the settlement agreement struck with Mackay and Moody and cannot comment officially. The matter is still in the hands of Tan’s London lawyers, while the FA are investigating a complaint from Cardiff over the conduct of Mackay and Moody.

However, we thought Nadeswaran, whose job title is Editor (special and investigative reporting), could give us some sort of insight into Tan... and certainly explain how the Mackay story is being reported in the Cardiff owner’s homeland.

Here are his answers to our questions:

How has the whole situation been reported over in Malaysia? What about in the newspapers that Vincent Tan doesn’t actually own?

The three English language newspapers have given extensive coverage. Besides, there are six Chinese language newspapers and three Malay language newspapers. They too have also carried translations of reports filed by the wire agencies.

As you may be aware, Mr Tan only owns The Sun, but three English language newspapers have “lifting rights” to UK’s leading newspapers and hence have been carrying reports.




Do you deal directly with Vincent yourself?

Yes. As the owner, he meets senior editors occasionally, and it is strictly official but on this Mackay affair, he has not spoken directly to us. We are reading the various news reports from UK and elsewhere, and we are writing our own commentaries without input from him. My commentary was written without input from him.

Does Tan, and the Malaysian public, believe he has been vindicated in light of what Malky Mackay has done?

I can’t speak for him, but right-thinking Malaysians believe he has been vindicated.

Not withstanding the fact that Mr Tan is my employer, I am proud that it took a fellow Malaysian to expose this.

What do you believe Vincent Tan thinks of reports Malky claiming called him a racist name in one offensive text?

We are appalled by such conduct. While the British media scrutinised and dissected every word uttered by Mr Tan at the height of his problem with Mackay, some have failed to acknowledge what Mr Tan has done to change the facade of English football.

What sort of person would make racist and offensive comments on his employer who was paying him a huge salary, plus many other perks?

As a journalist, I am disappointed that the “Kick out racism” was targeted at fans when the focus should have been on managers like Mackay.


Does he believe Richard Bevan should resign as chief executive of the LMA for dismissing texts as ‘friendly banter’?

Cardiff City FC has already issued a statement on this matter and Mr Tan has indicated that he would make no further statements on the LMA.

Does Tan believe Malky should be permitted to work in football again?

I don’t know, as Mr Tan has not made his views known to us at The Sun.

The Brits chastise even their MPs even if there is the slightest innuendo of racism or sexism. So, why should a football manager who has players from different countries be permitted to get away with it?

Does Vincent Tan believe this news can repair a ‘damaged rapport’ with the Cardiff fans following the change from blue to red?

Having visited and covered matches at the Cardiff Stadium over the years, and having spoken to officials of the Supporters Trust, what I can say is that supporters and fans have had a better picture of what had happened during the lead-up to Mackay’s sacking.

While fans were holding up banners supporting Mackay and screaming “Tan Out”, little did they realise things behind the scenes.

The fans acclaimed Mackay as an idol without knowing the truth. Mr Tan could not say anything as investigations were being conducted.

He was silent as the criticism grew louder by the day. Having worked for Mr Tan over 14 years, I can say that when Mr Tan makes a change, he makes it for a good reason.

And I hope the fans realise their folly and support the team in their bid to earn promotion.

How are Cardiff City viewed by the Malaysian media?


Actually, we had hoped that Cardiff would have kept their place in the Premier League which would have meant having another Malaysian-owned team, besides QPR, in the top division.

If they had met, we would have called it a “Malaysian Derby”. However, that did not happen but generally, Cardiff and QPR get good coverage, although not as extensive as the top four.

Do you think this is the end of the matter?

I don’t think so. With so many e-mails and text messages, there is surely more evidence that will emerge.

Let me assure you that Mr Tan is not a vindictive person. He wants to clear his name which had been sullied by sometimes biased, imbalanced and unfair reporting and commentary.

Mr Tan came to rescue of the club when it was dire straits and almost going under. He gave the club a new lease and took it to another level with his hard-earned money.

In honesty, can you tell me if the fans and the media were fair to him? As I said in my commentary for the newspaper, he will not tolerate things done behind his back.

Mr Tan reads the British newspapers online and the Cardiff City office always e-mails cuttings of interest to him on a daily basis. He is on the ball.

Vincent Tan.You are an arrogant bully.You ride roughshod over other peoples traditions and passions just because you can.You refuse to listen to ordinary peoples beliefs.You are all that is bad in world football today.Please sell Cardiff City to someone who knows about football and it's traditions.Someone who wants to own the club for what it is and not as a toy to be played with like a spoiled child.Vincent Tan'please sell up and leave.

Vincent Tan.You are an arrogant bully.You ride roughshod over other peoples traditions and passions just because you can.You refuse to listen to ordinary peoples beliefs.You are all that is bad in world football today.Please sell Cardiff City to someone who knows about football and it's traditions.Someone who wants to own the club for what it is and not as a toy to be played with like a spoiled child.Vincent Tan'please sell up and leave.

I bet that super rich football fan, eager to buy him out is banging on his office door now

Whilst It would be great to have someone as you described in your post to take the reigns at the club, the reality is, beggers cant be choosers, we are very lucky we arent financially ruined and still a competive club at this level. (in my opinion)

Vincent Tan.You are an arrogant bully.You ride roughshod over other peoples traditions and passions just because you can.You refuse to listen to ordinary peoples beliefs.You are all that is bad in world football today.Please sell Cardiff City to someone who knows about football and it's traditions.Someone who wants to own the club for what it is and not as a toy to be played with like a spoiled child.Vincent Tan'please sell up and leave.

I bet that super rich football fan, eager to buy him out is banging on his office door now

I have been a city fan when we escaped relegation to the southern league.I have been there when we were relegated from the top flight in the sixties.I have been there with less than a thousand others.I am a Cardiff City fan.Not a Tan fan like you.Or a Premier league fan.Just a Cardiff City fan.I have had more enjoyment in every one of those fifty four seasons than i did in the last one.Tan and his worshipers like you have taken something special' and changed it beyond recognition.When we have our times in the lower leagues in future'as we will.Me and people like me will still be there.Will you.

Vincent Tan.You are an arrogant bully.You ride roughshod over other peoples traditions and passions just because you can.You refuse to listen to ordinary peoples beliefs.You are all that is bad in world football today.Please sell Cardiff City to someone who knows about football and it's traditions.Someone who wants to own the club for what it is and not as a toy to be played with like a spoiled child.Vincent Tan'please sell up and leave.

I bet that super rich football fan, eager to buy him out is banging on his office door now

I have been a city fan when we escaped relegation to the southern league.I have been there when we were relegated from the top flight in the sixties.I have been there with less than a thousand others.I am a Cardiff City fan.Not a Tan fan like you.Or a Premier league fan.Just a Cardiff City fan.I have had more enjoyment in every one of those fifty four seasons than i did in the last one.Tan and his worshipers like you have taken something special' and changed it beyond recognition.When we have our times in the lower leagues in future'as we will.Me and people like me will still be there.Will you.

It seems to me you enjoy teams in blue playing in the lower divisions in front of a thousand people, more than you enjoy Cardiff City doing well. May I suggest supporting Chesterfield, that should give you your enjoyment back.

A weird article really, I dont like the way they are trying to speak on his behalf.

Sacking Malky was the right decision even before the texts, now that just confirms it.

Vincent Tan.You are an arrogant bully.You ride roughshod over other peoples traditions and passions just because you can.You refuse to listen to ordinary peoples beliefs.You are all that is bad in world football today.Please sell Cardiff City to someone who knows about football and it's traditions.Someone who wants to own the club for what it is and not as a toy to be played with like a spoiled child.Vincent Tan'please sell up and leave.

In order to sell something you need someone prepared to buy. Not too many out there prepared to throw money down a bottomless pit.

Vincent Tan.You are an arrogant bully.You ride roughshod over other peoples traditions and passions just because you can.You refuse to listen to ordinary peoples beliefs.You are all that is bad in world football today.Please sell Cardiff City to someone who knows about football and it's traditions.Someone who wants to own the club for what it is and not as a toy to be played with like a spoiled child.Vincent Tan'please sell up and leave.

I bet that super rich football fan, eager to buy him out is banging on his office door now

I have been a city fan when we escaped relegation to the southern league.I have been there when we were relegated from the top flight in the sixties.I have been there with less than a thousand others.I am a Cardiff City fan.Not a Tan fan like you.Or a Premier league fan.Just a Cardiff City fan.I have had more enjoyment in every one of those fifty four seasons than i did in the last one.Tan and his worshipers like you have taken something special' and changed it beyond recognition.When we have our times in the lower leagues in future'as we will.Me and people like me will still be there.Will you.

It seems to me you enjoy teams in blue playing in the lower divisions in front of a thousand people, more than you enjoy Cardiff City doing well. May I suggest supporting Chesterfield, that should give you your enjoyment back.

Couldn't be anymore wrong. It seems to me that he just wants the real Cardiff City back and not the joke it has become. Believe me, the majority of true City fans will feel the same way.

Absolute bollox.

It seems to me you enjoy teams in blue playing in the lower divisions in front of a thousand people, more than you enjoy Cardiff City doing well. May I suggest supporting Chesterfield, that should give you your enjoyment back.

What a load of drivel. People want to see their team in its true colours. It's not about wanting a blue team because they like the colour.

I have nothing against red as a colour, it's just not CCFC's colours.

Then again, I guess you KNOW that & are just trolling.

As for the arse kissing report from the Malaysian newspaper that he owns... What a surprise.

Vindicated by one of his staff who has not spoken to him?

Could it be partywithole or Drdre?

Vincent Tan is a legend! Rebrand aside, what has he done "wrong"?

Rebrand aside haha that's like saying Hitler was a top bloke, mass genocide aside.

PS please don't have a go at me for mentioning Hitler, I do not condone his actions and have never sent a sarcastic or moderatly racist text in my life.

Rebrand aside haha that's like saying Hitler was a top bloke, mass genocide aside.

PS please don't have a go at me for mentioning Hitler, I do not condone his actions and have never sent a sarcastic or moderatly racist text in my life.

Godwin's Law "As an online discussion grows longer, the probability of a comparison involving Nazis or Hitler approaches 1" 

Vincent Tan is a Legend in his own mind. We are stuck with him ( for now) that's apparent, but it doesn't mean that just because he is all we have , we have to like/love/respect him. Because "rebrand aside" he has still saddled us with debt which points at long term instability despite the short term fix that he has given us.

There are many of us for whom the rebrand ensures that he is viewed as a c**t and nothing more! That may well change if he changed us back to blue, but I wouldn't hold your breath

Seriously though. The comparison of a colour of a f*cking football shirt being compared to the mass genocide of the Jews has got to be one of the funniest things I have ever read. Some of you are priceless.

I'm hardly comparing the two am I? Once again people on this website read what they want to read to have a go at people trying to get our clubs identity back.

I used an extreme example to make my point and to be fair I don't know why I bother with "some people" on here. The club and this forum have gone to the dogs.

Vincent Tan.You are an arrogant bully.You ride roughshod over other peoples traditions and passions just because you can.You refuse to listen to ordinary peoples beliefs.You are all that is bad in world football today.Please sell Cardiff City to someone who knows about football and it's traditions.Someone who wants to own the club for what it is and not as a toy to be played with like a spoiled child.Vincent Tan'please sell up and leave.

I bet that super rich football fan, eager to buy him out is banging on his office door now

I have been a city fan when we escaped relegation to the southern league.I have been there when we were relegated from the top flight in the sixties.I have been there with less than a thousand others.I am a Cardiff City fan.Not a Tan fan like you.Or a Premier league fan.Just a Cardiff City fan.I have had more enjoyment in every one of those fifty four seasons than i did in the last one.Tan and his worshipers like you have taken something special' and changed it beyond recognition.When we have our times in the lower leagues in future'as we will.Me and people like me will still be there.Will you.

pants! you didnt answer the question like all other people who want tan to go you never offer a suggestion of how it can be acheived to get him out that is practicle? last season was crap because of style of play and relegation nothing to do with tan, he only bankrolled club to premier! so sorry your response is way a bit misguided say the least! and yes i've been there worn the t shirt to rochdale and anywhere else u care to mention on tues night over past 44yrs!!!!

As for the arse kissing report from the Malaysian newspaper that he owns... What a surprise.

as surprising as this response baz from you! its what you would expect!!!

I'm hardly comparing the two am I? Once again people on this website read what they want to read to have a go at people trying to get our clubs identity back.

I used an extreme example to make my point and to be fair I don't know why I bother with "some people" on here. The club and this forum have gone to the dogs.

Yes you were,sort of in a roundabout way.Your a tool.

On the issue of sacking Malky, Tan has been shown to have been right and under the circumstances, has remained silent, despite constant criticism.

HOWEVER
He has not fulfilled his promise to convert debt to equity and the rebrand has remained a major issue to many fans. The lucky colour has clearly not been lucky and grass roots supporters don't like the badge or shirt.

Vindicated? Hardly!!

I'm hardly comparing the two am I? Once again people on this website read what they want to read to have a go at people trying to get our clubs identity back.

I used an extreme example to make my point and to be fair I don't know why I bother with "some people" on here. The club and this forum have gone to the dogs.

Yes you were,sort of in a roundabout way.Your a tool.

No I wasn't and it's you're a tool, tool.

I'm hardly comparing the two am I? Once again people on this website read what they want to read to have a go at people trying to get our clubs identity back.

I used an extreme example to make my point and to be fair I don't know why I bother with "some people" on here. The club and this forum have gone to the dogs.

"I don't know why I bother"........I know because your a quitter,you quit the city,you quit bu and now you want to quit the forum cos your to good for us mere mortals.Grow a spine for once in your life ffs and stop quitting when the going gets tough.

It seems to me you enjoy teams in blue playing in the lower divisions in front of a thousand people, more than you enjoy Cardiff City doing well. May I suggest supporting Chesterfield, that should give you your enjoyment back.

What a load of drivel. People want to see their team in its true colours. It's not about wanting a blue team because they like the colour.

I have nothing against red as a colour, it's just not CCFC's colours.

Then again, I guess you KNOW that & are just trolling.

Spot on

I'm hardly comparing the two am I? Once again people on this website read what they want to read to have a go at people trying to get our clubs identity back.

I used an extreme example to make my point and to be fair I don't know why I bother with "some people" on here. The club and this forum have gone to the dogs.

"I don't know why I bother"........I know because your a quitter,you quit the city,you quit bu and now you want to quit the forum cos your to good for us mere mortals.Grow a spine for once in your life ffs and stop quitting when the going gets tough.

I haven't quit because the going has got tough thanks pal, I have quit because I can't stand to be in a stadium full of glory hunting success hungry individuals whilst my team plays in a "lucky colour" red.

I'm hardly comparing the two am I? Once again people on this website read what they want to read to have a go at people trying to get our clubs identity back.

I used an extreme example to make my point and to be fair I don't know why I bother with "some people" on here. The club and this forum have gone to the dogs.

"I don't know why I bother"........I know because your a quitter,you quit the city,you quit bu and now you want to quit the forum cos your to good for us mere mortals.Grow a spine for once in your life ffs and stop quitting when the going gets tough.

I haven't quit because the going has got tough thanks pal, I have quit because I can't stand to be in a stadium full of glory hunting success hungry individuals whilst my team plays in a "lucky colour" red.

You should've stayed and fought,show your blue.

I'm hardly comparing the two am I? Once again people on this website read what they want to read to have a go at people trying to get our clubs identity back.

I used an extreme example to make my point and to be fair I don't know why I bother with "some people" on here. The club and this forum have gone to the dogs.

"I don't know why I bother"........I know because your a quitter,you quit the city,you quit bu and now you want to quit the forum cos your to good for us mere mortals.Grow a spine for once in your life ffs and stop quitting when the going gets tough.

I haven't quit because the going has got tough thanks pal, I have quit because I can't stand to be in a stadium full of glory hunting success hungry individuals whilst my team plays in a "lucky colour" red.

You should've stayed and fought,show your blue.

I won't give that man any of my hard earned money. Fans should have stood up ad fought at the beginning but didn't, I made my choice, they've all made theirs and deep down everyone knows our club is a shadow of what it used to be.

I'm hardly comparing the two am I? Once again people on this website read what they want to read to have a go at people trying to get our clubs identity back.

I used an extreme example to make my point and to be fair I don't know why I bother with "some people" on here. The club and this forum have gone to the dogs.

"I don't know why I bother"........I know because your a quitter,you quit the city,you quit bu and now you want to quit the forum cos your to good for us mere mortals.Grow a spine for once in your life ffs and stop quitting when the going gets tough.

I haven't quit because the going has got tough thanks pal, I have quit because I can't stand to be in a stadium full of glory hunting success hungry individuals whilst my team plays in a "lucky colour" red.

You should've stayed and fought,show your blue.

I won't give that man any of my hard earned money. Fans should have stood up ad fought at the beginning but didn't, I made my choice, they've all made theirs and deep down everyone knows our club is a shadow of what it used to be.

If your gonna walk away then do it an stop sniping on the side lines,you sound bitter and twisted.
Or grow a spine and get back down the city and fight for what u want.

I am bitter, more bitter than I've ever been about anything in my life, I'm not denying that.