MELAKA (Feb 9): Gangsterism in football, which is on the increase lately, is a worrying phenomena and must be curbed, said Datuk Ong Kim Swee, the acting chief coach of Harimau Muda A (national squad).
He said all football supporters in the country should have a positive mentality when supporting their teams to maintain harmony.
"I am disappointed when supporters, although from different states, quarrel. We must know, win or lose is the name of the game, but harmony must be preserved.
"Maybe not all supporters, only a small number (were involved) but what is important is a positive mentality. Whether our team wins or loses, we should support each other to maintain harmony," he told reporters after witnessing a friendly between Melaka United and Harimau Muda A at the Hang Jebat Stadium here, last night.
The match which was also witnessed by Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Idris Haron ended in a 1-1 draw. The goals were scored by Melaka United's Amir Shahreen Abd Mubin (24th Min) and Mohd Azrif Nasrulhaq of Harimau Muda A (90th min).
The latest incident of fighting between supporters took place on Friday injuring a supporter of Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) on the head from a thrown hard object.
This was following provocations by supporters of JDT and Pahang at the Darul Makmur Stadium, Kuantan in their Super League match which Pahang won 3-2.
Commenting on his team's performance last night, Ong said it was a good start in preparing the team for the Queensland League in Australia next month.
Meanwhile, Idris advised Melaka United supporters against doing anything which would impact negatively on the team. – Bernama