KUALA LUMPUR — FA Selangor League referee, Baskaran Superamaniam, has called for Selangor FC to expel players who tarnish the club’s image.
His reaction comes after Selangor FC center-back Yazan Al-Arab’s recent assault on referee Hasrol Amir after the Malaysia Cup quarter-final second leg against Terengganu last night.
Speaking to Scoop, Baskaran said that the action was unacceptable and urged the club to protect its dignity by taking stern action against the Jordanian.
“Players shouldn’t be given a chance to play for a reputable club like Selangor FC again.
“He should be expelled for his actions, and having these kinds of immoral players in the team will definitely bring down the image of the club.
“I can’t believe these kinds of issues are happening again and again, and as a referee myself, I’m sick and tired of these ongoing rampant cases of referees being assaulted by players,” Baskaran said.
The 42-year-old referee further said that the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) should react quickly to this issue and be fair in their judgment regarding issues faced by referees.
“It’s so sad to see that the governing body is taking so long to react to this issue.
“FAM has always been quick to punish us (referees) whenever we make any mistakes while officiating matches, but if anything bad happens to us, they tend to take their sweet time to respond.
“FAM, through MFL, should pressure Selangor FC to fine Yazan with three months’ wages for his actions without hesitation, and he should be suspended and sent to anger management classes if they are not planning to expel him.
“Fans look up to players as role models, and the actions of players can influence the behaviour of young aspiring footballers.
“By taking stern actions, the league and club can demonstrate their commitment to positive role modelling,” Baskaran added.
The Red Giants were eliminated after losing 3-1 on aggregate following a 1-1 draw in the second leg.
Terengganu took the lead through Ivan Mamut’s penalty in the 23rd minute, while Selangor scored the equaliser through Safuwan Bahararuddin’s header in the 69th minute.
Scoop is awaiting FAM’s response to this matter. — September 25, 2023