DOHA: Liridon Krasniqi has defended Harimau Malaya's Natxo Insa, a subject of criticism for his subdued performance in the 1-0 defeat to Bahrain in the Asian Cup.
On Saturday, Spanish-Malaysian Insa was introduced in the match after the first half, replacing in-form Syamer Kutty Abba.
However, the midfielder neither stamped his mark nor offered any benefit to the team.
It was Malaysia's second consecutive defeat in Group E and are out of the last 16 contention.
Fans are also questioning national coach Kim Pan Gon's decision to select Insa, 38, who hardly played for Johor Darul Ta'zim due to injury last season, for the Asian Cup.
Krasniqi, also a naturalised player, defended Insa by posting a photo of the player on Instagram with a caption: "Idol in every aspect."
"We and the country should be proud of having such a fantastic footballer and person around us.
"You're the best grand Hermano (brother)," posted Krasniqi, who earned seven caps with Harimau Malaya.
In the next post, he said: "I only see hate, where is the love?"
Krasniqi had received the same treatment as Insa in the past.
In 2021, although he scored a goal, Krasniqi was criticised for his uninspiring performance in Malaysia's 2-1 defeat to Singapore.