Sukma football match turns nasty, four players sent off

The Sukma 2018 Group B football match between Johor and Terengganu at the Upsi Stadium in Tanjung Malim this evening was tainted by a brawl which saw the issuance of four red cards.

The incident that took place in the fourth minute of extra time began with a provocation during which a Johor player was seen kicking a Terengganu player before the situation got out of control.

Even a linesman was knocked down by several players during the brawl.

Referee Mohd Afiq Ahmad Nadzir issued two red cards to Terengganu players – Mohamad Shafawi Mohamad and Mohammad Rahmat Makasuf – and two to Johor’s Mohamad Hariz Kamarudin dan Nur Ismail Sukandar.

The match ended with Terengganu getting a slim 2-1 win over Johor, with their goals scored by Muhammad Ridzuan Mohd Razali and Muhammad Izzan Syahmi Mustapa in the 28th and 60th minutes, respectively.

Mohamad Hariz had scored Johor’s goal in the 65th minute.

National Sports Council director-general Ahmad Shapawi Ismail said he was disappointed with the incident.

“We regret what had happened in football. We hope players and officers would put the sporting spirit as an important element.

Ahmad Shapawi stressed that every issue or dissatisfaction should be settled professionally and according to procedure.

He added that said disciplinary actions would be taken against both teams and players found guilty in sparking off the scuffle.

- Bernama