PUTRAJAYA: The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) and football clubs must be firm in taking stern action against violent football supporters and hooliganism.
On Saturday, Terengganu fans rioted by burning down an ambulance, setting fire on stadium doors and shattering windows after their team was knocked out of the FA Cup semi-final by LionsXII at the Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin Stadium in Kuala Terengganu.
There was also dispute over a header goal by Ahmad Nordin Alias that was ruled offside by referee Amirul Izwan Yaacob in the same match.
Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said FAM should stop being rhetorical in addressing security issues and the quality of decisions by a referee in a football match.
“The decisions made by the referee on the field are final but we cannot create riots because we do not agree with his decision. If that were the case, many stadiums would be burnt down around the world.
“Even though we may not agree with the decision, football fans should not take matters into their own hands because this is a sport. I am urging the fans please do not resort to burning down stadiums, as it was too much.
“If a decision taken by the referee was found to be a mistake by the FAM subsequently, then the association could take the appropriate action against the referee. There should also be dialogues with the teams in the FA Cup on quality of decisions made during the match,” he said, adding the dialogue will boost the confidence in the association’s role to address the matter.
Khairy also advised Terengganu on its decision to withdraw from the FA Cup, urging them to avoid making hasty decisions.
On Sunday, Terengganu Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Razif Abdul Rahman issued a withdrawal threat over the alleged poor refereeing in the second leg of the FA Cup Semi-Final.