Look deeper, Ultras tell critics
As published in Malay Mail today By Haresh Deol haresh@mmail.com.my KUALA LUMPUR — Ultras Malaya insisted they were not to be blamed for the heavy punishment meted out by Fifa against the FA of Malaysia (FAM) following riots at the stands during the World Cup/Asian Cup qualifier between Malaysia and Saudi Arabi on Sept 8. Its leader Alfadli Awaludin, popularly known as Rambo, said critics ought to look at the root cause of the incident at Shah Alam Stadium instead of playing the blame game. Fans had launched flares, smoke bombs and firecrackers onto the pitch in the 88th minute of the match to vent their frustration following Harimau Malaya’s 10-0 defeat to United Arab Emirates in a previous qualifying match. Fifa handed FAM a 40,000 Swiss francs (RM180,000) fine and a warning. The Sept 8 match was also awarded to Saudi with a 3-0 score. “If anyone thinks the Ultras are to be blamed, then they are being very shal...