MORE FESTIVE

Tunku Ismail wants better experience for fans

DEVINDER SINGH

There was little for fans to do except to mill around outside the stadium while browsing through the merchandise on offer before making their way through the gates.

In a statement released earlier in the day, Tunku Ismail urged M-League organisers Football Malaysia LLP (FMLLP) to create a more festive occasion during final matches.

“I hope in the future FMLLP will be more open in organising finals like the FA Cup and the Malaysia Cup more festively for fans attending those games,” said Tunku Ismail.

“I also would like thank the fans of both teams for attending tonight to support your team. May you all have a safe journey. Congratulations and thank you once again for your support.”

The number of fans in the venue were evenly split between Kedah and Pahang supporters.

Kedah fans have become accustomed to making the journey south to Shah Alam in recent years with yesterday’s match Kedah’s third successive appearance in major finals after the Malaysia Cup deciders of 2015 and 2016.

Yesterday’s final brought the 28th edition of FA Cup to a successful conclusion just prior to the break for the fasting month.

It was Pahang’s fourth appearance in the FA Cup final, having won it in 2006 and 2014, while Kedah, champions in 1196, 2007 and 2008, played in their fifth final.

It was also only the fifth time the FA Cup final was held at the Shah Alam Stadium, and the second year in a row as the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil is unavailable.