KUALA LUMPUR: Selangor‘s latest RM100,000 fine and two-match home stadium ban by FAM is far from an isolated incident as football critic Datuk Dr Pekan Ramli warned that the repeated misbehaviour, both by management and fans, reflects deeper structural issues in one of Malaysia’s biggest clubs.
FAM imposed the penalties after Selangor fans engaged in violence during the FA Cup second-leg semi-final against Negri Sembilan at the MBPJ Stadium on Oct 29. Firecrackers were set off, benches and bottles were hurled, and a VVIP reportedly threw a water-filled bottle towards opposing fans.
“If management itself cannot control its own people, what example does that set for supporters? Professional clubs demand professional behaviour at every level,” said Pekan.
The recurring disciplinary issues at Selangor are well-documented. In 2023, FAM fined the club RM23,000 for multiple offences during the Malaysia Cup quarter-finals, including a stone breaking a referee’s car window, water bottles thrown at officials, and a club official hurling a bottle toward the tunnel.
Last year, Selangor withdrew from the Charity Shield match against JDT following an acid attack on winger Faisal Halim. MFL initially imposed an RM100,000 fine, a three-point deduction, and a stadium closure.
Following a public backlash, including criticism from the Sultan of Selangor, the fine was reduced to RM60,000, and the other penalties were rescinded.
Even at the continental level, Selangor have faced consequences. This year, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) fined the club US$24,500 (RM113,000) for safety and crowd-control violations, demonstrating that the issues extend beyond domestic competitions.
In total, Selangor have been fined approximately RM296,000 in recent years by FAM, MFL and AFC, and this amount does not account for smaller or internal sanctions.
“If the management cannot control emotions or behaviour, it erodes the club’s credibility. Professionalism must come from the top — the board, executives, everyone — not just the players or fans,” said Pekan.
Beyond the sanctions, repeated violations damage fan trust, sponsorship confidence and the league’s overall reputation.
“Both fans and the club lose in these situations. This is a lesson to everyone — misbehaviour cannot be tolerated at any level, from the VIP box to the stands,” said Pekan.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
