ULTRAS THROW SMOKE BOMBS DURING MALAYSIA - PHILIPPINES FRIENDLY MATCH

FAM's anti-hooliganism effort not working

It's just not working. The FAM's anti-hooliganism banner being paraded before the friendly match between Malaysia and the Philippines on Saturday.

   

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PETALING JAYA: The FA of Malaysia’s (FAM) “Love Football, Stop Hooliganism” campaign is not working at all.

Officials at the FAM were left red-faced on Saturday when ultras unleashed flares and smoke bombs during Malaysia’s friendly international against the Philippines at the Selayang Stadium.

The match, which ended 0-0, was halted for eight minutes in the first half by referee Mohd Amirul Izwan Yaacob.

About 1,000 ultras were among the 8,000 crowd and they maintained a 30-minute silence as soon as the match kicked off at 8.45pm as a protest against the FAM. Banners deriding the FAM for the state of affairs of football in the country were seen inside the stadium. The ultras also sang derogatory songs insulting the FAM.

FAM secretary-general Datuk Hamidin Mohd Amin was visibly angry, saying the FAM could face sanctions from the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) for the incident.

“The fans should go through proper channels to voice their grouses instead of interrupting a match,” said a fuming Hamidin on Sunday.

“We had several VIPs attending the match, including officials from the Philippines embassy and these fans’ action have embarrassed the country.

“We are working on this issue but it seems that harsher measures are needed to curb hooliganism. We will find a way to tackle this problem,” he vowed.

Ultra idiots they are!

By Comment by NICOLAS ANIL | Sports247.my – Sat, Mar 1, 2014 11:19 PM MYT

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  ‘LOVE Football, Stop Hooliganism’, read the campaign banner just before the Malaysia-Philippines …
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  ‘LOVE Football, Stop Hooliganism’, read the campaign banner just before the Malaysia-Philippines …

EDITORS' PICKS

HOOLIGANS: Smoke bombs thrown by the Ultras forced the entertaining friendly to an unnecessary halt. Picture courtesy of Asiana.my

‘LOVE Football, Stop Hooliganism’, read the campaign banner just before the Malaysia-Philippines game. The Ultras apparently took that as a dare because 30 minutes into the match, the silent protest ended and bedlam began.

The Ultras, who were unison in a 30-minute silent protest against Sultan Ahmad Shah’s 30-year reign as Football Association Malaysia (FAM) president, went from being civilised to absolute barbarians by throwing smoke bombs onto the pitch, resulting in a seven-minute suspension.

Why they acted like fools beggars belief, especially when the national team were putting on a phenomenal show in front a near full capacity at the Selayang Stadium.

Harimau Malaya dominated the Azkals and could have been four goals up if not for a controversial disallowed goal by Amiridzwan Taj and the woodwork which denied Aidil Zafuan, Amri Yahya and Safiq Rahim in quick succession.

SENDING A MESSAGE: The hate banner displayed by the Ultras before the match. Picture courtesy of Asiana.my

The initial silent protest was the ideal remonstration, subtle in its manner, but with a strong message.

The mentality of these fans will continue to be a hindrance to the national team who are in a transitional period and need positive support.

The security at the stadium was also lackadaisical to say the least, despite FAM’s ban on flares and sticks to the stadium early this year.

This is the second time this week Malaysian fans have behaved at their worst, and both in games which garnered plenty of attention in the region.

Just four days ago, the AFC Cup encounter between Selangor and Arema was suspended right at the death after the Red Giants’ Ultras also let off smoke bombs at the same venue.

As a result, the Football Association of Selangor (FAS) will bear the brunt with a huge fine and the possibility of having to play behind closed doors.

FAM would also certainly face a similar fate, a repercussion that only affects the morale and confidence of the national team.

So, should the Ultras be banned altogether from the stadium?

Despite their vocal support which has brought life back to local football, this intolerable attitude will only set our progress two steps back.

There is no harm in venting out your frustrations, but it’s certainly is not through a billow of smoke.

Keep yourself in check Ultras.

Don’t keep showing the world the ugly side of Malaysian football.