BADMINTON has always been one of my favourite sports, alongside football and hockey. Growing up watching legends like Datuk Lee Chong Wei and Lin Dan battle it out on TV, I often wondered what it would feel like to witness a live match in a badminton stadium.
As a journalist with nearly two years of experience, I’ve had the privilege of covering various prestigious events. With the support of my editors, I’ve covered a wide range of tournaments.
However, one event that stood out on my bucket list was the Super 1000 Malaysia Open. Last week, I finally had the chance to cover this iconic event, and it turned out to be an eye-opening experience—not because of the intense action on the court, but because of the exceptional conduct of the fans in the stands.
Fans that set the gold standard
The most striking aspect of the Malaysia Open was the fans’ exemplary behaviour—a masterclass in civic responsibility. The crowd followed the rules, disposed of their waste properly, and parked their vehicles without causing traffic disruptions.
Remarkably, there was little need for police intervention throughout the event. Fans weren’t just attending a sporting event; they were creating a positive and respectful environment for everyone around them.
This wasn’t a one-off occurrence. When I covered the 2023 Junior Hockey World Cup, I witnessed similar behaviour. Despite the smaller crowd, the fans adhered to stadium guidelines fostered camaraderie, and demonstrated discipline.
There was no chaos, no need for heavy-handed policing—just fans supporting their team in a respectful, disciplined manner.
A stark contrast: Malaysian football culture
Football may be Malaysia’s most popular sport, but the behaviour of a significant portion of its fans leaves much to be desired. Whether attending as a fan or a journalist, I’ve witnessed countless arguments and even physical altercations among fans.
The stands, at times, felt less like a celebration of sport and more like a battleground. This, in turn, has necessitated a heavy police presence at many tournament finals and Harimau Malaya matches as organisers try to maintain order.
Parking issues have also become a major headache. Many fans disregard designated parking areas, causing traffic jams or, worse, parking illegally, sometimes right in the middle of roads. The overall experience of attending a football match in Malaysia can feel like navigating a maze of chaos—both inside and outside the stadium.
This behaviour is not a recent trend. In 2015, 25 Terengganu fans were arrested after violence broke out during the FA Cup final. The clash between rival fan groups left people injured and the stadium in chaos.
In 2019, following Malaysia’s World Cup qualifier win against Indonesia, 41 fans were arrested after street brawls. More recently, a fight broke out at an LRT station after the Asean Cup match between Malaysia and Singapore, further tarnishing football’s reputation.
Such events serve as a stark reminder of the darker side of Malaysian football fandom, which has, at times, been associated with hooliganism and violence.
Lessons from badminton and hockey fans
There’s much that football fans can learn from their badminton and hockey counterparts. The passion that fuels football fandom is no less intense but often misdirected. Badminton and hockey fans channel their enthusiasm into constructive and respectful support, creating a positive atmosphere for all.
Yes, toxic behaviour occasionally spills into social media discussions across all sports. However, when attending events, badminton fans conduct themselves with decorum, respecting fellow spectators and the environment. Football fans could adopt similar practices to enhance the match-day experience for everyone.
Proper waste disposal, adhering to parking guidelines, and showing courtesy are small steps that can have a big impact. Such actions foster community spirit and make the stadium a more welcoming space.
Collective action for a better future
To bring about change, collective effort is key. Football clubs, organisers, and the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) must take the lead in shaping a positive fan culture. Initiatives like fan education programmes, anti-violence campaigns, and stadium ambassadors can promote respect and sportsmanship.
A campaign like “Respect the Game, Say No to Violence” could encourage fans to embrace positivity, ensuring that matches remain safe and enjoyable for everyone.
A vision for Malaysian football
The potential for Malaysian football is enormous. We have the fanbase, the talent, and the infrastructure to make it a top-tier sport. However, the culture surrounding the sport needs to evolve. Fans must recognise that sportsmanship extends beyond the pitch—it’s about how we treat one another in the stands and those around us.
Imagine a future where football matches are as orderly and enjoyable as badminton or hockey tournaments.
A safe and positive environment where fans can express their passion is essential. It should be a place where competition is intense yet fair, and mutual respect forms the foundation of a vibrant football culture. Fans should not have to fear for their safety or rely on a large police presence to maintain order in the stands.
This isn’t just about enhancing the image of football; it’s about making the sport more enjoyable for everyone. Let’s learn from badminton and hockey and apply those lessons to football. The future of Malaysian football relies on this approach.
As fans, let’s not allow a sport that was meant to bring people together to become a battleground filled with hooliganism. Instead, let’s ensure it remains a celebration of passion and respect. — January 19, 2025
Sandru Narayanan is a sports journalist at Scoop