Don't Be Stupid, Follow The Law

17 Mei, 2015



PETALING JAYA: The Football Association Malaysia (FAM) have warned fans from taking the law into their own hands.

On Saturday, Terengganu fans rioted after their team were knocked out of the FA Cup semi-final by Lions XII at the Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin Stadium in Kuala Terengganu.

The hosts won 3-2 in the second leg, but the Lions advanced to the final on away goals rule as the tie ended 4-4 on aggregate.

The fans were peeved after referee Mohd Amirul Izwan Yaacob disallowed Terengganu’s fourth goal by Ahmad Nordin Alias in the 89th minute for offside.

Terengganu’s Paulo Rangel and Gustavo Lopez were sent off for protesting the decision and the match descended into chaos.

Brazilian Rangel kicked the ball at the linesman and was shown a straight red card while Argentinian Lopez picked up his second booking for pushing Amirul.

After the match, Terengganu supporters burned an ambulance, broke the stadium glass doors and damaged the Lions’ team bus.

The tense situation forced the stadium authorities to call the Federal Reserve Unit (FRU) who released tear gas to disperse about 15,000 rioting fans.

FAM secretary-general Datuk Hamidin Mohd Amin said Rangel and Lopez made the situation worse.

“We are upset with this incident ... we have launched anti-hooliganism campaign but hooliganism cases are still on the rise,” said Hamidin.

“The referees committee will meet soon to review the match reports and video of the incident. The fans should have kept their emotions in check.

“Rangel and Gustavo’s action on the pitch stoked up the fans’ sentiment. The disciplinary committee will meet and decide on both of them,” added Hamidin.

Terengganu Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Razif Abdul Rahman said the referee should have taken better control of the match.

“The referee should have tried to defuse the situation. The fans got angrier after Rangel and Lopez were red carded and Nordin’s goal was cancelled,” said Ahmad Razif.

“I’m with the fans as I’m not happy with the cancelled goal. I have told the Terengganu FA to file an official complaint to the FAM to probe the goal,” he added.

Sumber - K. Rajan, Star Online www.thestar.com.my