Malaysia Super League champions Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) has said that is disappointed with Selangor FC’s decision not to participate in the Charity Shield match, the curtain-raiser of the Super League, at Sultan Ibrahim Stadium, Iskandar Puteri on 10 May.
In a statement by JDT CEO Alistair Edwards, on the Johor Southern Tigers website, he said IGP Tan Sri Razarudin Husain and Johor Police Chief Commissioner M Kumar have assured that the safety of the teams, players, and supporters is their top priority.
Selangor made the decision to withdraw from the match after security concerns involving Malaysian footballers, in the light of the acid attack on Malaysian international and its player Faisal Halim.
But JDT is disappointed with the decision, said Edwards.
“The police have confirmed that they will double their presence with 1,500 officers deployed and will not compromise on the safety aspect, including that of the players, in the Charity Shield match this Friday.
“We strongly condemn the incidents involving Faisal Halim and the threats received by some individuals at Selangor FC, but we hope the team will reconsider their decision.
“This is because it could set a precedent for any team to withdraw due to safety concerns despite police assurance,” he said.
In an official statement, Selangor FC stated that they made the decision after considering the safety of players and officials, which is the team’s priority, even though the Malaysian Football League (MFL) wanted to proceed with the match.
Edwards said JDT had been attacked in Pahang, Perak, and Kelantan during the early stages of the team’s transformation but still attended away games under tight police security.
“Selangor have never been attacked at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium. In fact, their team and supporters have always been escorted by the police to enter the stadium and have been escorted out after the match until they reach their buses in previous matches,” said Edwards.
PHOTO: FAM
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