11 Nov TRYING TO SCORE POINTS?

The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) has to be held responsible for the damage estimated at RM214,000 caused by Kelantan fans to the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil last Saturday as it had rented the premises, Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Ahmad Shabery Cheek said.”Although the FAM promised a percentage from its gate collection, it has to be held responsible for any damage,” he told reporters at the Parliament lobby.

Ahmad Shabery said FAM would be notified of the total damage estimated by the Bukit Jalil Stadium Corporation as well as the cost of repairing the damage caused by disappointed Kelantan supporters after their team lost 1-3 to Negeri Sembilan in the Malaysia Cup final.

Asked about suggestions to limit the number of fanatic supporters and those with bad records from entering the stadium, he said the move would be contrary to the concept held by the sports industry.”The development of a sport is linked to spectators, and if we take stern action which makes it difficult for the public to watch, the sport will not do well,” he said.

Ahmad Shabery said spectators bought tickets to help boost a team’s revenue and the popularity gained could attract good sponsorship from private companies and broadcast rights, as was happening in the West.