JDT: Keep faith and play
Nd Charity Shield match cancelled, but JDT hoping Selangor will reconsider
PETALING JAYA: Super League champions Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) have been left disappointed by Selangor FC’S decision not to take part in the season-opening Charity Shield match after an acid attack on key player Faisal Halim.
The treble winners instead feel the teams should keep their faith in authorities like the police and continue with the game. The Southern Tigers are still hoping Selangor will reconsider their decision.
The Red Giants announced on Wednesday night that they were pulling out of the game due to security reasons after Faisal was attacked at a shopping mall in Damansara last Sunday.
The decision forced the Malaysian Football League (MFL) to cancel the Charity Shield match scheduled to held at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium in Iskandar Puteri today.
JDT have been given a “walkover” victory with a score of 3-0 and awarded three points, as the game also doubles up as a league fixture.
“Other matters regarding the withdrawal will be brought to the MFL Board of Directors for further action,” an MFL statement said.
JDT’S chief executive officer Alistair Edwards, however, was not pleased with getting the points in this manner.
He expressed his disappointment over the decision and even listed some of the security problems that his team had faced in the past.
“We vehemently condemn the incident involving Faisal Halim and the alleged threats received by some members of Selangor FC but we hope Selangor can reconsider their decision to withdraw from the match as this could set a precedent of teams pulling out because they feel unsafe. That, too, despite assurances from the Royal Malaysian Police,” he said.
“We (JDT) have faced hostile environments in Pahang, Perak and Kelantan in the past but we still travelled and played those matches under increased police presence. Selangor have never been attacked at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium. Their team and fans were escorted by police into the stadium and to their buses in previous matches.
“While the recent incidents involving Akhyar Rashid, Faisal Halim and Safiq Rahim are concerning, we must place our trust in authorities to not only investigate the cases but also to protect our safety and ensure the running of the 2024-25 football season.”
Selangor have made no announcement on their stand over future matches in the 202425 Malaysia Super League season. They are scheduled to play their next match against Kedah at the Petaling Jaya Stadium on May 18.