Z4pnu and Dogie Explain Their Controversial Match During MPL PH Season 8
Nexplay EVOS’s Setsuna "Dogie" Ignacio and Omega Esports’ Billy “Z4pnu” Alfonso clarified that they had no intention of throwing games during the final week of the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Professional League (MPL) Philippines (PH) Season 8. Through separate vlogs, the two pro players explained that they were playing seriously and the match was not scripted or planned in any way by both teams. Dogie also admitted that it was his mistake to show a throat-cutting gesture on camera after their victory during the match against Omega Esports. He will accept any penalties from the MPL league if any are imposed.
Z4pnu clarifies that Omega Esports did not intentionally lose during the final match in the MPL PH Season 8 Week 7
During the final match of the regular season of the MPL PH Season 8, Omega Esports and Nexplay EVOS were hit with allegations regarding a scripted match where it seemed like Omega Esports intentionally threw the game for Nexplay EVOS.
The investigation is still ongoing and MPL PH is yet to reveal its findings and what its final verdict may be.
Amidst the issue, Omega Esports’ pro player Z4pnu explains his side of the story. The ML pro player explained that his team did not intentionally throw the match and they were playing seriously.
“You guys can definitely see that we had a wonderful performance during game 1,” stated Z4pnu. “I was very excited at that time too.”
He added that they even had a discussion regarding the team’s drafting and map rotations before the match started. The first match felt like a troll match due to Nexplay EVOS going for the five-man Flameshot strategy which Omega Esports was quick to counter.
Z4pnu then stated that they did not intentionally lose to evade a match against Blacklist International in the playoffs stage.
“No matter who we face, we’re ok with it,” stated Z4pnu. “Even if it’s ONIC (PH), RSG (PH), Blacklist (International).”
Dogie admits he got carried away during the final match against Omega Esports in the MPL PH Season 8
Aside from the controversial match, Nexplay EVOS’ pro player Dogie is also under fire for enacting a throat-cutting gesture after winning the match against Omega Esports. The community called him out for said gesture and this incident is also a part of the MPL PH’s investigation.
According to MPL PH rule 12.2.1, "Any action that is generally considered to be insulting (including but not limited to vertical middle finger, hook index finger, etc.) or action prohibited by MPL-PH (choke pose or throat-cutting action) are forbidden to be shown in any place (including online and offline private and public places, including but not limited to games clients, game platforms, social software, social medias, live broadcast platforms, media reports, etc.)"
The pro player confessed his mistake through a vlog, stating that he is willing to accept any penalties if MPL PH decides to penalize him.
“Will I get penalized? Yes. Will I get suspended? It’s ok, I won’t be playing in the playoffs anyway,” stated Dogie.
Dogie is still unsure of the extent of the penalty. However, he promises to disclose the penalty to everyone, if it is imposed upon him by Moonton
“I got carried away by my emotion, I couldn’t control myself, my mistake,” stated Dogie. “It won’t happen again next season.”
Both Omega Esports and Nexplay EVOS will be competing in the playoffs stage of the MPL PH Season 8 on 21st Oct 2021. It will be interesting to see how they shall perform in the upcoming matches.
Check out AFK Gaming's event hub for MPL PH Season 8 to stay up to date on live scores, schedules, rosters, results, and more.
