Footballer Faisal Halim splashed with acid at mall

 

Photographs of Harimau Malaya winger Faisal Halim, showing burns on his head and arms, have been widely shared on social media. (Facebook pic)

PETALING JAYA: Police have confirmed that national footballer Faisal Halim was splashed with acid in an attack at a shopping mall in Kota Damansara near here.

It was the second attack on a football player since Terengganu FC winger Akhyar Rashid was set upon by two robbers on Friday night as he was alighting from his car after returning from training.

Selangor police chief Hussein Omar Khan said an emergency call was received at about 6pm today about the attack on Faisal. He said Faisal was receiving treatment at a private hospital and was in stable condition.

He urged witnesses or anyone with information to contact the police.

It is understood that Faisal was attacked after a go-karting session at the shopping mall, according to Bernama.

Youth and sports minister Hannah Yeoh condemned the act of violence, saying “there should be no violence in sports”. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), she urged the police to take immediate action.

Faisal, a forward with the national football team and Selangor FC, was reportedly attacked by several men. The reasons for the attack were not known.

Photographs of Faisal, showing burns on his head and arms, are being widely shared on the internet.

Faisal’s football club Selangor FC said they are taking the matter seriously and will cooperate with the police to investigate the identity of the perpetrators.

“We urge all supporters and football fans across the country to keep Faisal and his family in prayers and respect their privacy at this difficult moment,” the club said in a statement.

The Football Association of Malaysia, condemning acts of violence, said it was aware of the incidents involving national team players Akhyar and Faisal.

“However, this is a police matter and FAM will leave it to the relevant authorities to handle this,” said Noor Azman Rahman, the FAM general secretary.

In the Kuala Terengganu attack, police said Akhyar was struck with an iron rod by two unidentified suspects dressed in black and wearing masks. He suffered injuries on his head and left leg for which he received stitches in hospital and was allowed to return home, police said. - FMT