Sports

Monday November 9, 2009

FAM to take stern action against Kelantan for fans’ unruly behaviour

By ERIC SAMUEL

PETALING JAYA: The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) are expected to take stern action against Kelantan for their fans’ unruly behaviour during the Malaysia Cup final at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil on Saturday.

FAM general secretary Datuk Azzuddin Ahmad said Sultan Ahmad Shah, the FAM president, had expressed his displeasure after watching the untoward incidents on television.

“Sultan Ahmad Shah wants action to be taken to put a stop to this violent behaviour by fans,” said Azzuddin yesterday. Unhappy with losing 1-3 to Negri Sembilan, some Kelantan fans, estimated to be around 65,000, vented their frustration by letting off fireworks and smoke bombs. Some even set fire to the plastic seats at the stadium.

It was the Red Warriors’ second defeat in a final this season. They were beaten 1-4 on penalty kicks by Selangor in the FA Cup Cup final in April.

Earlier this season, Kelantan were fined RM90,000 by the FAM disciplinary board for their fans’ unruly behaviour in two separate incidents at the Sultan Mohd IV Stadium on March 31 and April 7.

Battlefield: Negri Sembilan goalkeeper Mohd Farizal Harun walks away from a smoke bomb thrown by Kelantan fans during the Malaysia Cup final on Saturday.

The board also suspended the stadium from holding any matches until the end of the year. The decision, however, was later rescinded.

Yesterday, Kelantan FA (KAFA) president Tan Sri Annuar Musa was apologetic about the fans’ behaviour.

“I must admit these incidents should not have happened and I apologise for their behaviour. Our fans had high expectations on us winning the Cup. And when the team did not perform in the final they became restless.

“But I must thank the supporters because they are our asset. In the future, we will do our level best to educate and develop better supporters,” said Annuar.

Meanwhile, Kelantan will reinforce their team for next season with national Under-23 striker Norsharul Idlan Talaha.

Explosive: Kelantan fans lighting up fireworks during the Cup final.

Annuar said the presence of the former UPB-MyTeam FC striker would be a huge boost to the east coast side.

“We hope to be back stronger next season,” said Annuar.

Annuar said Kelantan had only made their debut in the top flight this season and would need time to become a force to be reckoned with in Malaysian football.

“It was not in our original plan to be in the Super League this season. But under the circumstances and injuries to key players ... I think the team have done fairly well,” said Annuar, adding that injuries to skipper Mohd Badri Radzi, Azlan Ahmad Zainal and Mohd Ramzul had weakened the side.

Annuar, however, assured Kelantan fans that work would begin soon for the new season after the players return from a short holiday to Indonesia.

“We have identified the players for next season. In two weeks’ time we should be able to announce the new line-up,” he said.

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