No letting up: Police goalkeeper Bryan See says some spectators hurled expletives at him during the match against Negri Sembilan. Above: Police’s Ifedayo Olusegun celebrates after scoring the winner. — PDRM
PETALING JAYA: Police goalkeeper Bryan See was subjected to racist chants when his team were down 0-1 during the Malaysia Cup round of 16 first-leg game against Negri Sembilan.
The 31-year-old Bryan said the fans had hurled expletives at him at the Tuanku Abdul Rahman Stadium in Paroi on Sunday.
However, Police led by Bryan showed they were made of sterner stuff when they staged a dramatic comeback with two injury-time goals to secure a 2-1 victory.
And when Nigerian striker Ifedayo Olusegun scored the winner in the 98th minute, Bryan decided to let out his pent-up frustration by celebrating in front of the fans.
“In the second half, the fans tried to get in my head by using racial slurs,” said Bryan.
“They were yelling and screaming profanities to unsettle me (after their rivals’ opening goal). It was ridiculous.
“I’ve dealt with this before, but I decided to respond this time. When we scored the second goal, I ran towards the fans and cupped my ears (to show that their taunts did not affect him).
Negri have taken the lead in the 60th minute through A. Selvan, who weaved past three defenders before firing a precise low shot past Bryan.
The Cops left it until injury time before striking back when substitute striker Hadi Fayyadh Abdul Razak got an equaliser by heading in a cross from Olusegun in the 96th minute.
A minute later, Olusegun ensured Police sealed the win by scoring a goal in the 98th minute.
The 33-year-old Olusegun praised his teammates.
“This never-say-die attitude is becoming a hallmark of our team,” said Olusegun.
“After the equaliser some players were celebrating as if the game was over.
“I pulled them back and told them we could still win (not settle for a draw).
“Two minutes later, we scored the winner.”
Olusegun, who recently returned from a thigh injury, emphasised the importance of staying sharp for the second leg against Negri at the Selayang Stadium on Nov 29.
“Negri played well, and we need to be even better in the second leg.
“The mood in the camp is strong, and we’re ready to give our all,” added Olusegun.
