KUALA LUMPUR — Tensions are escalating within the local football community, raising concerns about preserving the sport’s integrity as footballers increasingly provoke referees.
The impassioned call for change comes on the heels of a recent harrowing incident in a match organised by the Ipoh Football Association and the KL Futsal League.
In a viral online video, the players’ hostile behaviour and blatant aggression toward referees have become concerning.
Speaking to Scoop, Baskaran Superamaniam, a seasoned referee in the FA Selangor League, said that he is disappointed with the current treatment of referees and shed light on his personal experiences of enduring player abuse on the field.
“As a referee for many years, I’ve grown accustomed to receiving disrespect from players during games. Players often provoke me with offensive remarks, but I refrain from reacting due to safety concerns.
“It’s essential to remember that not all referees can maintain composure like I can. We’re human, after all.
“Imagine dedicating your life to your passion, only to confront hostility on the field.
“Our frustration isn’t just for ourselves, it’s for the future of the game. Without respect for referees, football’s spirit suffers,” he said.
Baskaran highlighted the pivotal role referees play in ensuring fair play and the overall enjoyment of the sport.
He said that referees, as football enthusiasts themselves, deserve respect for their dedication and passion for the game.
“The constant abuse we endure takes a toll on our love for the game. We’re football fans ourselves, striving to guarantee fair play and uphold the sport’s integrity.
“It’s high time everyone recognises that we are an integral part of the football family. We’re more than just individuals in the middle of the pitch.
“When we’re persistently mistreated, it feels like a betrayal of the very sport to which we’ve dedicated so much.
“Being a referee isn’t about making popular decisions, it’s about making the right ones,” Baskaran added.
The 42-year-old referee proposed concrete measures to address the ongoing issue, urging the local football and futsal committees to enhance safety measures for referees during games.
He recommended implementing a rule whereby players would face a RM5,000 fine for assaulting a referee during a game, with the possibility of immediate imprisonment.
“Such a suggestion will undoubtedly help curb the unjust acts against our local referees,” he added.
Recently, during the semi-final match of a football league organised by the Ipoh Football Team (PBI) at Taman Dr Seenivasagam football field, a heated dispute erupted involving players and coaches dissatisfied with a referee’s decision.
A 49-second video of the incident went viral on social media, prompting a police investigation.
Ipoh district police chief Assistant Commissioner Yahaya Hassan said no police reports have been received regarding the incident as of yet.
However, further investigation revealed that the incident in the video occurred on September 14. — September 18, 2023