KUALA LUMPUR – Football players, especially the seniors, in the Malaysia League (M-League) have been told to behave themselves and be role models for the younger generation.
Former Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) Referees Committee chairman Subkhiddin Mohd Salleh said every player has a responsibility to project an admirable image and attitude on and of the field.
This, he said, was more so because many senior players are held up as idols and, as such, have a role to inspire the younger generation in the country.
“These youngsters will copy whatever they (the seniors) do, be it good or bad, on the pitch. So, if they act aggressively, then these children playing for their schools or leagues in villages will follow suit.
“As responsible players, do not display such negative traits and don’t get punished. They must be determined to set a good example on and off the pitch,” he told Bernama today.
FAM recently took disciplinary action against three officials and three players from Sarawak United FC following their aggressive and unsportsmanlike behaviour during their Premier League match against Negeri Sembilan FC on Sept 10.
Among those severely punished were Sarawak United FC coach E. Elavarasan, who was handed a 12-month suspended sentence and RM10,000 fine, and goalkeeper Mohd Sharbinee Allawee Ramli, 34, who was handed a five-match ban and RM7,000 fine for violent conduct.
Subkhiddin, who is also a former national and Asian Football Confederation (AFC) elite referee, advised team officials to behave themselves as well.
He said that as responsible officials handling the teams, they should not defend the action of players who have committed an offence, adding that they should, instead, be more professional by giving the offenders a stern warning.
“What disappoints me the most is when there are officials who blame referees for their players’ violent conduct.
“We cannot use others as an excuse for what we do or to cover up our mistakes,” he said.
Meanwhile, Subkhiddin feels that swift and stern action must be taken to tackle the issue of violent and unsportsmanlike behaviour before it gets out of hand, adding that severe punishment must be meted out to teach the culprits a lesson.
He added that such uncouth behaviour must be nipped in the bud or else it could tarnish the image of local football.
