A video capture showing a man believed to be an amateur soccer player being hit from behind by a shirtless man during the incident in Butterworth, Penang.
FOOTBALL is supposed to bring people together where they can settle disputes through scoring goals and sportsmanship. However, a group of sports fans apparently decided to settle their scores on the pitch a bit too aggressively as seen in a recent viral.
Did a group of men start a fight during a football match in Butterworth, Penang?
Verdict:
TRUE
Police have arrested three men for rioting during a football match in Bagan here on Sunday (Feb 25) after video footage on the incident went viral on social media.
Seberang Perai Utara acting OCPD Supt Siti Nor Salawati Saad said investigations revealed that the brawl took place due to dissatisfaction with the referee's decision and that provocative behaviour occurred between the parties during the football match.
"The three men, all in their 20s and 30s, were arrested to assist the investigation. One of the suspects has a previous criminal record," she said in a statement on Tuesday (Feb 27).
Siti Noor Salawati said police were also tracking down several other people, believed to also be involved in the incident.
The case is being investigated under Section 147 of the Penal Code for rioting.
Police also called on members of the public with information on the case to contact investigating officer Insp Nursyahirah Sarahani at 04-5762222, ext 2275 or any police station.
Earlier, a 21-second clip showing a group of people chasing several other people on a football pitch before the brawl erupted has been circulating on social media.
