JOHOR BARU: Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz has expressed disappointment over Selangor FC's decision to sit out of the Charity Shield game against Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT).
In a statement on Facebook, Onn Hafiz said the decision was made in spite of assurances given by the police and the deployment of some 1,500 personnel to monitor the match, which was supposed to take place on Friday (May 10).
“As a JDT supporter, I am disappointed with Selangor FC’s decision not to participate in the Malaysia Super League and Charity Shield despite being given a guarantee from the Johor police chief and the Inspector-General of Police (IGP).
“The Johor police have also agreed to deploy 1,500 policemen to monitor safety aspects during the competition,” he said on Thursday (May 9).
He added that the state government strongly condemns the attacks against football players Akhyar Rashid, Faisal Halim and Safiq Rahim and takes such issues seriously.
“On behalf of the state government, I will not compromise with any parties causing issues that could threaten the safety and public harmony of Johor,” he said.
Onn Hafiz also commended JDT for the team's willingness to continue with the match as scheduled and its confidence in the police.
“I would also like to congratulate and thank JDT for the team’s commitment and professionalism," he said, adding that he hopes JDT supporters do not lose hope.
Late Wednesday (May 8) night, Selangor FC issued a statement on its official social media page, announcing its decision to withdraw from the match, which was supposed to be held at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium in Iskandar Puteri, Johor.
Their decision came just hours after the Malaysian Football League rejected the club’s request to postpone the match.
On Tuesday (May 7), JDT’s midfielder Safiq became the latest footballer to suffer an anonymous attack after his car was hit with a hammer.
The attack came days after national winger Faisal, who is also known as Mickey, suffered an acid attack at a go-kart circuit in the Klang Valley on Sunday (May 5).
On May 2, national winger and Terengganu player Akhyar was assaulted and robbed near his residence in Kuala Terengganu.
