Coaches must use right channel if unhappy with match officials — FAM

MELAKA: M-League coaches have been reminded to refrain from lashing out at match officials if they are not happy with the quality of refereeing.

Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) deputy president Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mahadi said issuing negative statements against referees would lead to others losing confidence in the system and quality of refereeing in the country.

“It is natural to be unhappy with some decisions or the quality of refereeing but do not tarnish the image of football and the quality of refereeing in the country by issuing negative comments...such perception must be avoided.

“We do not want the fans and people from outside to lose confidence in the refereeing system of the country. The fans would feel cheated and slowly loose interest because they would feel matches have been fixed,” he told reporters here yesterday.

He said the FAM was always finding ways to improve the quality of refereeing and to reduce mistakes from match officials to ensure fans and supporters continue to trust the system.

Last Saturday, Pahang head coach Dollah Salleh questioned the quality of refereeing after losing their Super League match 12 against Felda United at the Tun Abdul Razak Stadium in Jengka, Pahang.

Mohd Yusoff who is also the Melaka United Football Association deputy president said he too was personally not satisfied with the quality of refereeing during their Super League match against PKNS FC recently, especially the penalty and red card, but though frustrated or disappointed, officials must use the right channel to express their grouses.

“Coaches through their respective associations or clubs must write in to the FAM Referees Committee. They can also submit a video recording if possible to support their claim,” he said.

“I was informed that the FAM Referees Committee has not received any written complaint from Pahang or Dollah. Therefore, I feel it was a personal opinion expressed by Dollah and not the official grouse of the Pahang Football Association,” Mohd Yusoff said. - AFP