KUALA LUMPUR: There are alarming claims that the Malaysia Cup final at the National Stadium on Friday was poorly organised and fans' safety was at risk.
Fans alleged that there was overcrowding, and though they bought tickets with seat numbers, there were no seats for them.
There were also claims that duplicated tickets were sold, and no marshals were around to enforce numbered seating.
It is learnt that a fan died of heart attack and this has led to questions whether automated external defibrillators (AED) stations were available in the stadium.
With close to 81,000 fans packing the stadium, this has raised concerns that unforeseen incidents could have led to a tragedy. Last year, 135 people died during a stadium crush in Malang, Indonesia.
Sports observer Datuk Dr. Pekan Ramli said he attended last year's Malaysia Cup final, and he is alarmed that the same thing is still happening.
"Those with a ticket have a seat number but someone else is already sitting there. So, they have to sit elsewhere. They didn't want to make it an issue so they sit in any empty seats and the pattern repeats itself.
"There's an overflow, fans end up sit on the stairs due to excessive ticket sales or overcrowding.
"It raises questions. Is it due to lax zones inspection or fans' mentality that is weak civically, undisciplined or take things for granted?"
Pekan said a disaster might have happened on that day, and fortunately, it did not.
"It's scary to think... if there is an emergency. If I'm not mistaken, there are no safety precautions announced to the fans (before, during and after the match).
"We must fix these problems and hope that in the upcoming finals, these issues will have been resolved.
"I also call on seat owners to not compromise anymore, defend their rights, and ask those who are sitting in their seats to move.
"Safety standard operating procedures during mega-events should be tightened. Don't take things for granted because it could turn into a disaster."
Meanwhile, Malaysian Football League chief executive officer Datuk Stuart Ramalingam said they are aware of the situation and will try to educate fans.
"We are aware that fans still face this unwanted situation of fans not following the allocated seat numbers.
"There will never be enough marshals or stewards to guide 85,000 people, and it's also down to the principles of fans.
"We will try to do more education for fans via their clubs next season," said Stuart.