‘Fans are not cops’

 

(The Malay Mail) - FAM’s RM1k reward to nab misbehaving supporters gets flak 

IT is the role of the police, not the fans, to ensure a trouble-free FA Cup final.

THANA: FAM’s decision to reward fans is ‘joke of the year’

That seems to be the sentiment echoed by football fans when asked of FA of Malaysia’s (FAM) decision to reward RM1,000 to fans who “catch” other fans misbehaving during the match on June 29.

The decision was announced by the national body last week to ensure there will not be any crowd trouble in the stands when defending champions Kelantan take on Johor Darul Takzim FC at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil.

This came about after crowd trouble marred the FA Cup semifinal second leg between Pahang and Darul Takzim in Kuantan on May 28. Host Pahang were slapped with a RM100,000 fine.

FADLI: RM1,000 reward could incite fans to fight

Football fanatic Mohamad Fitri Sabriudin said it was wrong to allow an unauthorised person to catch another individual. “The fans are not cops. They have no right to catch or arrest a fellow fan,” said Fitri, 19. Fitri said the logical solution is for FAM to tighten security especially within the stadium.

“There should be more police personnel stationed in and around the stadium vicinity. Also, the gatekeepers must be strict to ensure no prohibited items are brought into the stands.”

Selangor fan Mohamad Fadli Rusli was of the opinion that FAM’s ruling could provoke supporters of the opposing teams to fight.

“The police are supposed to control the crowd, not the public,” said Fadli, 34.

FITRI: Fans should not take on the role of the police

Thana Lip and Chula Song from Perlis said FAM’s decision was the “joke of the year”. “This is hilarious,” said Thana, 30.

“It is for the police to play their part in controlling the crowd. How can you ask the fans to police the fans and reward them for it?” said Song.