KUALA LUMPUR: THERE was plenty of goodwill among Malaysian and Vietnam fans in the MyDinh national stadium in Hanoi, Vietnam, on Thursday night.
Fans from both countries set aside the ugly incident that marred the first leg semi-final in Shah Alam Stadium last Sunday and embraced the Asean spirit of friendship in Hanoi last night.
Vietnam fans took the lead. They unfurled a huge banner that said: “Football helps us become friends. Do not do the opposite.”
Another banner written in Vietnamese, with a caricature of two hands representing Malaysia and Vietnam clasped together, said: “Vietnam and Malaysia united”.
Malaysian fans replied. Their banner said: “Kami datang Demimu Malaysia, We are sorry Vietnam”.
The goodwill of fans extended to the Internet.
On the AFF Suzuki Cup website, Nhựt Nhẹp Nhai , a Vietnamese fan, posted: “So sad... Congratulation you and your team, Malaysia fans!! Today, you are better. Let’s keep the friendship of Vietnam and Malaysia forever”.
Another Vietnamese fan, Hiếu Nguyn, posted: “Congrats Malaysia from Vietnam. Well played! Goodluck!”
Malaysian fans also showed their appreciation.
“Malaysia won the game, but Vietnam earned the respects,” said Facebook user Muhamat Abi Derin.
Another Malaysian fan chipped in: “Team Malaysia only win the game but the whole Vietnam are winners at our heart. Tq (Thank you) Vietnam”.
Hazwani Mohadis posted: “Thank you Vietnam. You are awesome too, have shown good sportsmanship. Respect from Malaysia”.
Wan Abdul Izzat wrote: “Team Malaysia only win the game but the whole Vietnam are winners at our heart. Tq Vietnam”.
Thai fans commented, too.
Narong Srikaset wrote: “Respect and sorry Vietnam. Congrats Malaysia. Today is a good game and thanks for a good match”.
Another Thai fan, Watthana Saen-u-dom, said: “I support both Thailand and Malaysia. I would be glad if Thailand win but I don’t feel disappointed if they lost because beyond the victory is our friendship between Thailand and Malaysia and I also respect all teams in SEA. Viva South East Asia”.
Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin saluted Malaysian fans for being courteous yesterday.
“Apart from our performance yesterday, we also salute the fans. Malaysia fans who travelled & Vietnam fans for being gracious,” he tweeted.
Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein tweeted: “Its not over till it is over-Go Harimau!!!”
After the match, he added: “Aummmmmm !! Harimau Malaya ke final (Aummmmmm !! Harimau Malaya is going to the final)”.
Earlier, Air Asia chief executive officer Tan Sri Dr Tony Fernandes had tweeted that the airline would give away five free flight tickets, including accommodation at Tune Hotels, to Bangkok, Thailand, if Malaysia made it to the finals.
He kept his word.
To participate, Malaysian fans are to submit pictures of themselves in the Harimau Malaya’s jersey to stand a chance at winning.