Malaysian football starts under increased security precautions after attacks

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UPDATES with opening match result, coach and fan quotes, Manchester United video message

Malaysia’s premier soccer league kicked off on Saturday under the shadow of increased security after a series of attacks against players shocked the country and forced the cancellation of the season opener.

Star winger Faisal Halim was left in a critical condition in an acid attack last week, just days after his Malaysia teammate Akhyar Rashid was injured in a robbery outside his home.

In a third incident on Tuesday, former Malaysian skipper Safiq Rahim escaped unhurt after he was threatened with a hammer and his car windscreen was smashed by two assailants.

But football authorities said Malaysia Super League matches would take place, starting with Polis DiRaja Malaysia (PDRM) FC against Kedah on Saturday north of the capital Kuala Lumpur.

The football association demanded that players hire bodyguards, while reigning champions Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) tightened security for its squad after canceling its season opener.

Hundreds of fans turned out for the PDRM-Kedah game on Saturday, some holding banners in support of the attacked players. The number of police around the stadium was increased and the officers were armed with pistols.

“We are not afraid and will not allow the series of attacks on football players to dampen our enthusiasm for this great sport,” said 38-year-old utility worker and Kedah fan Syakirin Said.

“Look around, the police presence is heavy. If we unite, we can defend ourselves against these ugly perpetrators.”

The game ended without incident, with Kedah winning 1-0 after a first-minute goal from striker Muhammad Syafiq Ahmad.

The local district’s deputy police chief, Abang Kaderi Abang Wasli, told AFP that security at the stadium had been doubled and about 60 officers were on site, including some plainclothes officers at the stadium.

“Fans should feel safe watching the game, don’t be afraid,” he said, adding that police would “search anyone who looks suspicious.”

After the match, PDRM manager P. Maniam said he was happy that the tightened security measures ensured the safety of players and fans.

“I hope and pray that from now on there will be no more attacks on players,” he told AFP.

But another fan, Shah Putera, 42, said every player should remain vigilant.

“Every national player and player from every state should be careful. We don’t know what kind of people are behind us, even though we are good people,” he said.

The scheduled opening match between two of Malaysia’s top football clubs, JDT and Selangor FC, has been canceled after the latter cited “a series of criminal incidents and recent threats”.

The motive for the attacks is yet to be determined and a suspect remains arrested for questioning in connection with the acid attack on Selangor and Malaysian winger Faisal.

The 26-year-old, nicknamed “Mickey”, was in intensive care with fourth-degree burns, his movements and speech impaired after the attack last week at a shopping center outside the capital.

Officials said he responded well after undergoing a skin graft.

Manchester United players Alejandro Garnacho and Andre Onana sent their support to Faisal in a video message.

“We know this is a tough moment for you. Stay strong, we are by your side. I also speak on behalf of all my teammates. Keep fighting,” Onana said in an Instagram video posted from Selangor.

Syakirin, the Kedah fan, urged other fans to continue to pay attention to their teams not to let the attackers win after the attacks disrupted the league.

“I appeal to all football fans in Malaysia: let us stand together and show solidarity with the players to reject violence,” he said.