FAM want volatile Ultras Malaya to toe the line

pix by The Star

Love them or hate them?

Even FA of Malaysia (FAM) are torn between the two.

It is undeniable that Ultras Malaya add flavour to football stadiums thoroughout the country, also via splinter groups in the respective state.Their support is undying.

But are there lines that should not be crossed?

The governing body had only recently praised the supporters group for the support during the Merdeka Tournament.

But it was a different case when FAM deputy president Tengku Abdullah Ahmad Shah warned the Ultras to behave yesterday.

"Our Country's name and image is at stake," he said

The Crown Prince of Pahang was responding to recent turn of events which had seen FAM face an AFC inquiry over the use of smoke-bombs and an S-League match between Harimau Muda B and Young Lions called off after the group pelted the pitch with flares and smoke-bombs.

The start of the ruckus -  pix by SLeague.com

Ultras Malaya leader Freddy was firm in saying the fans in Pasir Gudang did the right thing after being provoked.

FIFA, AFC, and FAM regulations are clear - the use of any form of pyrotechnics are strictly prohibited

My take - Ultras Malaya brings the stadium alive, especially when Malaysia are playing. They turn up in numbers to create a great atmosphere. But let's keep those flares, fireworks and smoke-bombs at home. It is only inviting trouble.

Here's a question to the Ultras Malaya - Would you rather toe the line or see drastic sanctions such as playing in an empty stadium?

ps: It's been a very very very long time since I blogged. Back at The Malay Mail once again :)

FAM will not punish TMJ

pic taken from www.sports247.my

Video evidence is all that stands in the way of Johor FA president Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim (TMJ) from falling victim to the draconian Article 88, which Kelantan's Tan Sri Annuar Musa and Perlis's Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim have already fallen victim since last year.

However, contrary to what was mentioned at the FAM post-Disciplinary Committee meeting yesterday, there will not be any action towards the Crown Prince of Johor.

The reason is simple as there ISN'T any video footage of the impromptu press conference at Thistle Hotel last week as NO recordings were allowed. It was indeed a bold move by TMJ or else he too would have been suspended for speaking up against bad governance. Click here for TMJ's statement.

and here's the comical proceedings of the FAM's press conference yesterday - FAM to look into statement?

However, questions can be asked of the FA of Malaysia. Is video footage a mandatory requirement or is the matter threaded cautiously considering it involves a Royalty?

If video footage is mandatory, does this mean that FAM refuses to acknowledge reports on print?

Something to ponder on, which may be irrelevant, but journalists and officials have been issued legal letters for various reasons in the past for what was published. Mostly without video evidence.

Maybe, the laws of FAM are different.

DISCLAIMER: In no way is this a personal attack towards any individuals. I stand by my stance that while TMJ spoke what most are afraid of speaking, rules are rules. A bad law is nonetheless a law.

For FAM, this is a case of dammed if they do, dammed if they don't