MFL gives JDT approval to bring fans into stadium
03/10/2020 05:58 PM
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 3 -- The Malaysian Football League (MFL) today confirmed Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) were allowed to bring a small number of spectators for the match against Sabah at Sultan Ibrahim Stadium, at Iskandar Puteri, last night.
In a statement today, MFL chief executive officer Datuk Ab Ghani Hassan said the 2020 Super League champions had applied to bring in not more 100 fans in conjunction with the presentation of the Super League championship trophy held at the end of the match.
He said MFL agreed to allow the request on condition the spectators present complied with the stipulated standard operating procedure (SOP) such as checking body temperature at the stadium entrance as well as practising physical distancing.
“As the match is the Super League champion decider with the presentation of championship trophy, JDT made an official application to MFL to bring the family members of players into the stadium.
“After discussing the request as well as looking at the venue structure and need for championship celebration, MFL agreed to allow some family members of players into the stadium by complying with the SOP,” he said in a statement.
JDT lived up to their billings when they defended their Super League title for the seventh consecutive time after thrashing Sabah 4-1 yesterday.
However, the historic success was marred by a viral video clip which showed the presence of some spectators including children at Sultan Ibrahim Stadium which triggered criticisms from local football fans.
In the video, a small group of spectators were seen not adhering to the SOP as they were seen no practising physical distancing when watching the game from the stand.
In this regard, Ab Ghani denied allegations that a large number of the Southern Tigers fans were allowed into the stadium.
“There were no outsiders except a small number of family members of JDT players in the stadium apart from officials on duty in the stadium,” he said.
-- BERNAMA
JDT dedicate seventh Super League title to Safawi, Tunku Ismail
Saturday, 03 Oct 2020 08:17 PM MYT
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 3 — Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) head coach Benjamin Mora says the 2020 Super League title won by the team for the seventh consecutive time is the best farewell gift for their striker Muhammad Safawi Rasid.
Mora admitted that the JDT players and the coaching staff are sad over the departure of the national striker who will not play in the Malaysia League next season as he would be leaving tonight to join the Portuguese Primeira Liga side — Portimonense SC.
JDT hammered Sabah 4-1 at Sultan Ibrahim Stadium in Iskandar Puteri, Johor last night to seal the Super League title they won since 2014.
“This match is totally different to us as we want to give something memorable to him (Muhammad Safawi) before he leaves us, and I also want to dedicate this victory to our boss Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim,” he was quoted as saying in the statement issued by the Malaysian Football League (MFL) today.
“I don’t know whether he would play for us in the future, but I will like to wish him all the best,” added Mora who claimed his third Super League title since he was appointed as JDT head coach in 2018.
Since making his debut for JDT in 2017, Muhammad Safawi had made 101 appearances, notching 47 goals and 18 assists, besides winning the Super League title four times, Malaysia Cup twice and also Charity Cup three times.
The victory enabled JDT to play in the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Champions League competition next season.
In the match against Sabah, Brazilian hitman, Diogo Luis Santo placed JDT in front in the 38th minute, before Muhammad Safawi bagged a brace in the 56th and 81st minute respectively, followed by another goal from Leandro Velazquez in the 84th minute.
Sabah, however, manage to get the consolation goal via Dennis Buschening in the 74th minute. — Bernama
