KUALA LUMPUR: Selangor have hit back at the FA of Malaysia (FAM), rejecting several key accusations over last month’s chaotic FA Cup semi-final at MBPJ Stadium.
In a firm statement today (Nov 17), the club denied involvement in four major incidents highlighted in the FAM disciplinary committee verdict and insisted both their supporters and VVIP guests were wrongly implicated.
“The club would like to clarify that Selangor supporters were not involved in igniting or throwing firecrackers inside the stadium,” it said, adding that their own probe showed seat-throwing did not originate from their section.
“The club’s investigation confirmed that the missing seats were only in the visiting supporters’ area.”
Selangor also dismissed claims of misconduct by a high-profile guest.
“The club would like to clarify that no Selangor VVIP guest was involved in throwing a plastic drink container towards the visiting team’s family seating area.”
On the clashes that went viral online, the club concluded: “Selangor FC supporters did not initiate the altercation. The altercation was triggered by a firecracker thrown by the visiting supporters.”
The Red Giants said they deployed 170 security personnel and police and were prepared to act at all times.
Selangor will file an appeal and hope the FAM appeals committee can hear it before the FA Cup semi-final second leg on Nov 30.
The club reiterated it maintains “a zero-tolerance stance towards any conduct that compromises the safety of all match-going supporters.”
On Saturday, Selangor were fined RM100,000 and ordered to play two FA Cup home matches behind closed doors after their 3-2 defeat to Negri Sembilan on Oct 29 descended into chaos.
The FAM disciplinary committee cited fan violence, VVIP misconduct, vandalism and poor stadium security.V
iral videos showed firecrackers, clashes and broken seats, fuelling public criticism.
But Selangor’s account contradicts several findings, echoing comments by FAS deputy president Datuk Seri Shahril Mokhtar.
“I spoke to my people, and when they (FAM) say VVIP is not fair… to say that a VVIP threw bottles is something I disagree with,” he told Timesport.
Selangor’s disciplinary record remains lengthy — almost RM296,000 in fines over five years from FAM, MFL and AFC — but Shahril believes the latest sanctions are excessive.
“In my opinion, I think it’s a bit too much… it’s a bit harsh for the team to have to play the FA Cup without fans,” he said.
Selangor are banking on their appeal being heard in time to overturn the punishment before the crucial second leg.
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