KUALA LUMPUR: The Charity Shield match between Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) and Selangor FC this Friday will go on as scheduled.
Amid security concerns, the Malaysian Football League (MFL), on Wednesday issued a statement assuring local fans and players that security will be beefed up to prevent any untoward incidents on the day.
The statement comes in light of recent attacks on three Malaysian League players, namely Terengganu FC's Akhyar Rashid, Selangor FC's Faisal Halim, and most recently JDT's Safiq Rahim.
"The Malaysian Football League (MFL) wishes to express sympathy and concern over the incidents involving three Malaysian League players, Akhyar Rashid (Terengganu FC), Faisal Halim (Selangor FC), and Safiq Rahim (Johor Darul Ta'zim).
"These separate incidents have shocked the nation, especially local football fans, who are now united in expressing support and praying for the well-being of the players involved.
"MFL takes a firm stance in condemning any form of violence against players and hopes that these incidents will be thoroughly investigated by the authorities for further action.
"MFL never compromises on ensuring the safety of players and fans attending Malaysian League matches through the cooperation of teams and local authorities.
"Therefore, MFL has held a meeting with all club security chiefs of the Malaysian League today (Wednesday) to ensure that safety coordination for each Malaysian League match this season is enhanced," read the statement.
The statement also highlighted the fact that 1,500 police officers will be deployed to maintain order for the Charity Shield match, which will kick-start the 2024 Malaysian Football League season.
"Additionally, security assurance for players and fans for the Charity Shield match between JDT and Selangor FC at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium this Friday (May 10) have been provided by Johor Police Chief Commissioner M. Kumar, who announced that 1,500 police officers will be deployed for duty, including strict controls and inspections at the match compared to the usual 500 officers.
"National Police Chief Tan Sri Razarudin Husain also stated today that security preparations for officers and police personnel will be enhanced.
"Therefore, with the security preparations made by the police, MFL has decided that all Malaysian League matches scheduled for this week, including the Charity Shield match, will proceed as scheduled.
"With the security assurances provided by the police, MFL has had to reject Selangor FC's request to postpone the Charity Shield match due to concerns about the team's safety," read the statement.
Out of the three players attacked, Selangor FC's Faisal had it worst.
The 26-year-old is still in the hospital, after being splashed with acid by an unknown assailant on Sunday, at a Mall in Kota Damansara.
Faisal, who is also a key player for the national team, underwent a second surgery on Tuesday for fourth-degree burns, and is reported to be in stable condition.