IT has been four days since Malaysia beat Indonesia 2-0 at Bukit Jalil but furious fans of the Garuda haven’t cooled down.
As they expressed their anger on social media, the FA of Malaysia (FAM) are not spared.
They also made baseless claims that Indonesian fans were beaten up by Malaysians in Kuala Lumpur.
Sports Minister Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman, responding to a claim on Twitter, said: “I have informed the police for further investigation. If there were parties who were beaten, please advise them to make a police report. We will ensure that there will be a proper and transparent investigation. Justice is for all, doesn’t matter (the fans are) from Malaysia or Indonesia.”
Even before Tuesday’s pre-World Cup match against Malaysia, Indonesian fans had put their national association in trouble.
After a World Cup qualifier between the neighbouring rivals in Jakarta on Sept 5, the FA of Indonesia were fined US$45,000 (RM188,347) by Fifa following violence at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium. Malaysian fans were threatened and pelted with projectiles amid the visiting side winning 3-2.
This led to FAM appealing to Fifa to ban Indonesia ‘away’ fans from last Tuesday’s clash at Bukit Jalil.
However, the world body turned down FAM’s request, leaving the latter to take precautionary measures.
FAM secretary general Stuart Ramalingam commended the Police and Federal Reserve Unit for controlling the 80,000 crowd at the national stadium.
“We sent an appeal to Fifa but it was rejected. So because of this, we knew we had to plan ahead to ensure the highest standard of safety for everyone attending the match.
“Credit to the security agencies for taking the proper measures and acting impeccably, especially the Police and FRU,” he said.
However, flares were thrown inside the stadium. It is unclear who were the perpetrators but Stuart said FAM will have to face action from Fifa.
“Of course we would be fined for the flares but, as hosts, that is our responsibility. The main thing is that everyone is safe and it’s due to our diligent planning after Fifa rejected our appeal to ban the away fans,” he said.