PETALING JAYA: Selangor ruler Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah today voiced support for Selangor FC’s decision to withdraw from tomorrow’s Charity Shield match against Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) amid concern over a string of attacks against footballers.
In a Facebook post, the Selangor Royal Office said the sultan was disappointed that the Malaysian Football League had rejected Selangor FC’s request to postpone the match.
“As the patron of Selangor FC, His Royal Highness believes that, in light of recent incidents endangering the lives of players and officials, it is appropriate for Selangor FC not to participate in the said match, which marks the inaugural fixture of the 2024 Super League,” it said.
“His Royal Highness believes that at this juncture, the priority is the lives and safety of the players rather than winning the cup.”
Sultan Sharafuddin also said that the impact of the recent acid attack on Selangor FC winger Faisal Halim on the team’s morale should be taken into account.
“His Royal Highness also wants everyone to understand that the gravity of incidents involving players’ lives, such as this one, cannot be compared with previous cases, given its proximity to the match date,” the post said.
“His Royal Highness also reiterated that Selangor FC is prepared to face any consequences following the decision to withdraw from this match.”
JDT CEO Alistair Edwards earlier said that his team was disappointed with Selangor FC’s decision to withdraw from the match despite assurances from the police regarding the team’s safety.
“We vehemently condemn the incident involving Faisal and the alleged threats received by some members at Selangor FC.
“However, we hope Selangor FC can reconsider their decision to withdraw from the match as this could set a precedent of teams pulling out because they feel unsafe, and that too despite assurances from the police,” he said in a statement.
He also cited past instances where JDT had been attacked in “hostile environments” in Pahang, Perak, and Kelantan but still travelled and played matches under increased police surveillance.
“We must place our trust in the authorities to not only investigate the cases but also protect our safety and ensure the running of the 2024-25 football season,” he added.
Yesterday, Inspector-General of Police Razarudin Husain said that the safety and well-being of both teams would be guaranteed in the event that the Charity Shield match slated for tomorrow proceeds.
He said the necessary manpower had been mustered by the Johor police in preparation for the game. - FMT
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