KUALA LUMPUR – Selangor FC head coach Nidzam Jamil believes the horrific incident involving their stalwart player Faisal Halim has made Selangorians stronger and more united than ever.
The 40-year-old coach’s response came after his side’s 1-0 victory over Kedah FC in their Malaysia Super League opener, which attracted approximately 25,000 Red Giant fans at the MBPJ Stadium on Saturday.
The match also saw Selangor fans showing their support for acid-attack victim Faisal in the seventh minute, with fans giving a standing ovation as an image showing the words “Stand with Faisal Halim, Stop the Violence” was displayed on the scoreboard.
On May 5, 26-year-old Faisal was attacked while strolling with his family at a shopping centre in Petaling Jaya.
As a result of the attack, Faisal suffered fourth-degree burns on several parts of his body and had to be placed under intensive care at a private hospital in Shah Alam.
After successfully undergoing several surgeries and a skin transplant procedure with skin imported from Belgium, Faisal was reported to be stable and transferred to a general ward a few days ago.
Speaking to Scoop, Nidzam expressed appreciation for the fans’ warm support during their match against the Canaries. He also pledged to repay their support by putting up a formidable performance in the rest of their Super League campaign.
“The fans were amazing and I was delighted to see all of them showing their full support for the team. It was a great moment for our team on the pitch as we could see the unity among them, and that’s what our club has been known for over the years.
“To be frank, the Mickey (Faisal) incident has made all of us more together than before, and it clearly shows how much they love him and his contributions to the club.
“I hope this togetherness and support will continue between the supporters and the team. We appreciate the fans’ support, and our job as a team now is to maintain and give a good performance for the rest of our Super League season,” said Nidzam when contacted.
Faisal joined the Red Giants from Terengganu FC last year. He then went on to score 12 goals in 28 appearances for the side in all competitions last season.
Selangor currently rank seventh in the Super League table, with three points from two games. – May 20, 2024