Etheridge on harassment case: I know what it's like

LONDON – Philippine Azkals goalkeeper Neil Etheridge is saddened by the controversy surrounding the national team ahead of the 2012 AFC Challenge Cup.

Azkal players Lexton Moy and Angel Guirado are currently in the spotlight after Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Match Commissioner Cristy Ramos filed sexual harassment complaints following the Philippines' recent 1-1 draw with Malaysia.

“Everyone has the right to express their own opinions on the matter, but obviously the timing wasn't great. It is unfortunate that this happened so close to such a big competition,” Etheridge said.

“I think a lot of the players were unaware of what happened or maybe something was misinterpreted," added Etheridge, who was in the dressing room when Ramos carried out her inspection of the Philippine team.

The British-Pinoy was caught in a storm of his own last year. Weeks before the Philippines' World Cup qualifier against Kuwait in July, Etheridge, Simon Greatwich, Anton del Rosario and Jason Sabio were accused of raping a Filipina in the home of team manager Dan Palami.

The accusation was made by a certain Paul Weiler. The case did not materialize, but the experience still left its mark.

"It's a shame. It does affect people's mindsets. Being involved in what happened before, I know what it's like. It is upsetting and players can take it to heart, but it's one of those things that you try and deal with professionally," he said.

The Fulham FC stopper, who recently confirmed his availability for the Azkals, will be joining his teammates in Kathmandu for acclimatization training this Wednesday.

He does not know what the mood in the camp is currently like, but the 22-year-old says he will provide a lift if need be.

"Even though I'm quite a young player, I take on a responsibility, because other players look up to me, being part of an English Premier League club. When morale is down in the camp I take responsibility to pick players up individually and collectively, whether they want to speak to me on a one-to-one basis or as a group,” Etheridge said.

The Azkals will face defending champions Korea DPR in their opening fixture of the AFC Challenge Cup on March 9. That will be followed by matches against India on March 11 and Tajikistan on March 13.

Etheridge is aware the Philippines is pooled in the toughest group of the tournament. He does not want the off-field controversy surrounding Moy and Guirado to affect the team's performance on the pitch.

"I'm sure they've [the players] already realized, but if they haven't I'll make sure they realize that we've got three big games coming up and this could be another proud moment for the Philippines,” Etheridge said.

“We're not going there to lie down and let everyone walk over us,” he added.

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