KUALA LUMPUR – Sri Pahang FC Fans are hoping for fair and transparent refereeing in tonight’s Malaysia Cup final against Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT).
Their calls for impartial officiating follow remarks made by the Elephants’ head coach, Fandi Ahmad, who openly expressed his desire for honest and transparent refereeing in the highly anticipated clash at Bukit Jalil National Stadium, which holds 85,000 spectators.
Fandi, who has been critical of refereeing standards in the past, notably following Sri Pahang’s 3-1 defeat to JDT in last December’s Super League, suggested that questionable decisions had gone against his team in that match.
Speaking to Scoop, Ahmad Kamar Abd Malek, a Sri Pahang supporter who travelled 246km from Kuantan to Bukit Jalil, said he hopes today’s match will be free from any disputes over the referee’s decisions.
“It all depends on the referee. He must follow his conscience and ensure fairness for all. As fans, of course, we want to see a good game. We don’t want today’s match to feel like a netball game, with unnecessary interference from the referee,” said Ahmad.
He acknowledged the strength of JDT, noting, “After 11 years, JDT are a completely different side now. They have a much stronger squad than before. But the ball is round – any underdog can surprise, especially with fans rallying behind them.”
“It doesn’t matter where teams are ranked. Even though we were placed eighth in the Super League before this final, that won’t affect us today.”
However, fellow supporter Izziqry Shah offered a counterpoint, suggesting that criticism of Malaysian refereeing has become common whenever a team loses to JDT.
“We always see JDT winning, but honestly, we have to admit that they have a lot of talented players, including national team members. When a team loses, people tend to blame the referee. I hope today’s match will be played fairly,” said Izziqry, who travelled from Kuantan for the final.
Reflecting on the previous final against JDT, Izziqry added, “Realistically, it will be difficult for us to win today, especially with only a few fans here to support us. Those who aren’t here will regret it if we win.”
Meanwhile, JDT fans were also out in full force, eager to see their team make history by becoming the first Malaysian side to win three consecutive trebles.
Hana, who attended with her husband and two children, believes JDT has made significant improvements over the past year.
“JDT have improved a lot compared to last year. Hopefully, they can win the Malaysia Cup for the third time in a row,” Hana said. “My favourite player is Arif Aiman Hanapi, and I’m hoping he’ll score in today’s final.”
Zarif Aqmar Dila Rohimi, who travelled with a group of fans from Muar, emphasised the importance of sportsmanship and patriotism.
“We are all one Malaysia, one family. We hope both teams show patriotism and sportsmanship,” he said.
“People from Pahang are known to be gentle and kind-hearted, but I’m hoping for a comfortable 3-0 win for us. I also hope Bergson Da Silva can continue his fine form at Bukit Jalil and score a hat-trick. I’m hoping to see us create history by clinching our third consecutive treble,” said Zarif.
JDT reached the final after a dominant 6-1 aggregate win in the semi-finals against Negeri Sembilan at Sultan Ibrahim Stadium on January 17.
Pahang booked their spot with a 3-2 aggregate victory over Sabah, having drawn 1-1 in the first leg at Stadium Likas the following day.
The Elephants last reached the Malaysia Cup final in 2014, where they defeated JDT 5-3 on penalties after a 2-2 draw. — April 26, 2025