PETALING JAYA: Perak wingback Tommy Mawat Bada (pic) has lambasted his detractors on social media for making racist comments over his altercation with Johor Darul Ta’zim winger Arif Aiman Hanapi on Sunday.
In a strongly worded statement on his Instagram page, Tommy said: “Everyone has the right to express their opinions. If you want to be angry, tell me something or mock me, I am fine with it.
“We are just normal human beings living on the same planet Earth.
“If you are angry, do not hurt the feelings of my family or race, in this case the Dayaks. Yes, I was born a Dayak, it is in my blood.
“I’m always proud of my race. So brothers and sisters, do not incite racial hatred, you will regret it later.
“Do not Dayak, Dayak me. What if other Dayaks saw and read your comment? Can you handle them?
“Do not be a clown and racist. God bless you and thank you. Do not spread hate among football.”
Tommy and Arif got into a tense situation in the 83rd minute of their teams’ Super League match. Both players were at each other’s throats, with Arif throwing a punch at Tommy.
Referee Razlan Joffri Ali booked both the players but some felt that the two should have been sent off.
The Football Association of Malaysia said a hefty punishment could follow after an official report was made by the match commissioner and referee assessor, and Arif and Tommy could be served with suspensions.
