An old man in Singapore was violently flung to the ground after a young girl’s father took offense to him patting his child’s head without prior consent.
Footage of the assault has since gone viral on social media after it was shared by the family of the old man, who runs a wanton noodle shop at Roxy Square.
Patted girl’s head
In the footage, it showed a young girl seated at a table while having a meal with her mother at the coffee shop, while her dad went off somewhere.
Moments later, the elderly man walked past the table while limping and gently patted the girl’s head as a sign of affection.
However, this wasn’t taken well by the girl’s mother, who reached out her hand in a bid to stop the elderly man.
Violent reaction
The girl’s father was seen rushing back towards the table and confronted the old man while gesturing aggressively at him.
Halfway through the confrontation, the girl’s father grabbed onto the old man’s arm and threw him to the ground, causing his head to hit a table.
Other patrons at the scene quickly helped the old man back onto his feet.
Apology offered
In the post’s caption, the old man’s family member wrote that the girl’s father offered an apology and a drink following the assault.
“While we appreciate that he eventually apologised, my father is now suffering from severe back pain following the incident. A drink and an apology cannot simply take away the physical pain or injuries he is experiencing.
“What hurts us most is seeing my father — an elderly man who was trying to go about his day despite already having difficulty walking — now suffering because of something that could have been handled calmly with a conversation.”
The family member added that they’re looking to identify the man not to harass him, but to seek justice.
Tried to explain himself
Speaking to Shin Min Daily News, the old man known as Yang (transliteration), said he was getting a cup of coffee after closing his stall.
He added that he patted the girl’s head as he found her “adorable”.
“Her father had left the table, but returned after noticing the interaction. He was agitated and asked me why I did that.
“Although I tried to explain myself, the girl’s father refused to have any of it and threw me onto the ground, with my head hitting a table and causing it to swell,” he recounted.
Yeo said he is treating his injuries with ointment and painkillers as he dislikes going to the hospital, adding that he will continue to monitor his situation.
Man identified by police
Meanwhile, police told CNA that a police report was lodged over the matter and that they have identified the 40-year-old who shoved Yeo to the ground.
It also urged the public to not speculate on the incident so that police can carry out investigations and establish the facts of the case.
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