FAM: Explain yourselves, please

As published in Mailsport today

By Nicolas Anil 

PETALING JAYA — FA of Malaysia (FAM) secretary-general Datuk Hamidin Amin has promised to resolve the Terengganu fiasco as soon possible.

The Turtles could face disciplinary action after their fans clashed with police following referee Amirul Izwan Yaacob’s decision to disallow a last minute goal against LionsXII in the FA Cup semifinals on Saturday. 

Two Terengganu players were also sent off, which led to fans taking their frustrations out on the police. Four vehicles were destroyed — including an ambulance — which was torched.
“We received the match report from the general coordinator and the match officials on Monday.  Our legal department will send a letter to Terengganu FA (TFA) requesting an explanation before the disciplinary board decides on the matter,” said Hamidin. 

The fracas also left the visiting team and its 199 fans stranded at the Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin Stadium for four hours. 

Twenty six fans, including two who tested positive for drugs, were arrested and kept in remand until Saturday to facilitate investigations.

Amirul’s decision to rule out Ahmad Nordin Alias’ goal, which would have taken Terengganu to the final also angered Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Razif Abdul Rahman, who threatened to pull the team out of the M-League. 

Hamidin however hoped TFA would accept the referee’s decision, which was deemed right by FAM and Terengganu coach Abdul Rahman Ibrahim.

“I’ve spoken to Terengganu Sports exco Datuk Rozi Mamat, who accepts the referee made the right call. I hope TFA can do the same because things like these happen in football.

“We are working hard to improve the refereeing quality in the league but in this case the officials got it right. 

“Fans should not retaliate like this just because they lost a football match.”

Yesterday, Ahmad Razif said the state government will start repair works at the Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin Stadium immediately.

Ahmad Razif said the damages, among others at the stadium’s entrance and seating area, were estimated at RM150,000. 

“We want the stadium to be repaired immediately,” he said.

On the arrest of the 26 fans, Ahmad Razif said: “If it’s true they were involved and started the violence,  we will not compromise.”

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