KUALA LUMPUR: The FA of Malaysia (FAM) and Malaysian Football League (MFL) must ensure that extreme on-field provocation does not become a cancer in domestic competitions.
This was voiced by sports analyst Datuk Dr Pekan Ramli following an incident of extreme provocation during the second leg of the FA Cup semi-final between Kuching City FC and Selangor FC on Sunday.
The FAM Disciplinary Committee has been urged to investigate the incident, impose punishments in order to safeguard the image of Malaysian football.
“At the very least, firm action must be taken. We cannot simply let this matter pass without any clear lesson.
“We do not want to normalise this because if left unchecked, the public and players will view it as a routine occurrence in our league.
“We need to take drastic action so that it does not become a precedent for other players in the future,” Pekan said.
The MFL is said to be compiling all reports related to the commotion involving players and officials from Selangor and Kuching during the FA Cup semi-final second leg.
The incident at the Petra Jaya State Stadium occurred towards the end of extra time after Selangor’s Mukhairi Ajmal Mahadi scored an own goal.
Pekan stressed that professional football demands high ethical standards and sporting behaviour.
“When professional players behave in such a manner, it signifies that they are not truly professional. Provocations originating on the pitch can quickly spread beyond it.
“When supporters see their favourite players acting that way, they tend to emulate the same behaviour. Ultimately, the situation becomes uncontrollable, sparking larger commotions at stadiums.”