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

Pathetic treatment for Harimau Malaya in Bangkok

That pretty much sums up Malaysia's first outdoor training session in Bangkok.

Do I need to say more besides "This field is f**king pathetic!"?

It was not really a field day for Malaysia. (click on the link to read more and see more pictures of the deplorable state of the so called 'Stadium' allotted to Malaysia to training)

Simply put, it is high time Malaysia play similar tactics to foreign teams such as Thailand and Indonesia (where is just wasn't safe to do anything).

But no, Malaysia will not resort to similar acts. We are gracious hosts and providing the best for visitors/foreigners/immigrants/etc has always been one of our values. Let's continue that despite getting shit from our neighbours.

M-League matches to be played in the evening

We hear of the need to bring back the fans all the time - FA of Malaysia (FAM), States, Clubs and even the media have all spoke of the need to get the fans to pack stadiums again like in the glory days of Malaysian football.

Often, the national body and States/clubs have been blamed for the lack of fans as it lacks the professionalism, quality and what not.

But now, local authorities will have to take the blame too.

To get the fans, the matches must also be played at a convenient time for folks to come in numbers. However, due to lighting requirement set by FAM, only five stadiums will be able to host night matches.

The rest fail to meet the minimum 1000 Lux requirement on all nine floodlights.

There is nothing teams can do as they have no jurisdiction over the stadiums

Read Sports247.my's Left in the dark for more on this.

Jom kita ke Stadium Bukit Jalil!

Forget the English Premier League, La Liga or Serie A for a night.

Bukit Jalil Stadium is the place to be. Why? We need to get behind our national team as they face a crucial AFF Suzuki Cup Group B tie against arch rivals Indonesia.

Never really believed Paul.

It is an interesting scenario in the group. All four teams can still make it to the semifinals. Read Battle for Survival for the possible scenarios at the end of the day.

It is going to be a heated game for sure - not just on the pitch but in the stands as Ultras Malaya will the 12th man.

It's humorous how Indonesia have found their tricks once again - the maggot found in their food at the hotel and claiming the need of protection as seen here.

Sudah lupa Sea Games 2011 final and the previous AFF Suzuki Cup second-leg final ka?

Rest assured, Indonesia, your are fans are safer at the Bukit Jalil Stadium than the Gelora Bung Karno.