KUALA LUMPUR – The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) disciplinary committee’s decision to wield its authority with an iron fist towards former Selangor FC player Yazan Al-Arab has sparked a fiery discussion among footballers who once donned the iconic red and yellow jersey.
The Jordanian centre-back received a lifetime ban from the national football body for an incident in the Malaysia Cup quarter-final second leg against Terengganu in September, where Yazan was found guilty of assaulting match referee Hasrol Amir.
The committee’s decision, based on Article 51 and Article 59 of the governing body’s disciplinary code, underscores Yazan’s breach of conduct during the match.
However, despite the severity of the ruling, FAM has allowed Yazan to appeal, in contrast to Selangor FC, which terminated the player’s contract following an internal review conducted last month.
Speaking to Scoop, former Selangor fullback P. Gunalan expressed his belief that the club should have supported the player and stood by him throughout the legal process instead of distancing themselves from the issue.
“The club should be bold enough to defend their players at any cost instead of just giving up, and it’s disheartening to see them abandon a player in times of crisis.
“Yes, what he did was wrong, but for a club to terminate his contract like that, it will affect a player’s livelihood as he won’t have a proper income to survive.
“If FAM can give the player a chance to appeal, why can’t Selangor FC do the same?
“I hope the young generation of Selangor players can behave respectfully in the future to ensure that they don’t jeopardise their careers by engaging in such actions,” said Gunalan.
Gunalan, who played for the club between 2001-2012 and made 295 appearances for the Red Giants, also suggested that FAM should have taken a softer approach, recommending a temporary ban for the player.
“I understand that they have taken this decision to protect the integrity of the league so that they will not receive any backlashes in the future.
“However, I appreciate the fact that they have allowed the player to appeal his case. At least Yazan can seek help from the Professional Footballers Association of Malaysia (PFAM) so that they can help him with lawyers to try to win the appeal in the future.
“I hope Yazan can win the case and change his attitude for the betterment of his career,” Gunalan added.
Meanwhile, former Selangor player and national team captain Zainal Abidin Hassan commended FAM’s decision and is pleased that Yazan cannot continue his career in Malaysia.
“At first, I was angry at FAM for not responding to this issue earlier, but now I’m happy that they have taken a strong stand on this issue.
“As a professional, what Yazan did was wrong, and if he wants to play in our country, he has to respect our officials. I believe that this will be a good lesson for him.
“I’m aware that he even has a chance to appeal, (but) I have a feeling that he will lose and hope that he doesn’t continue this attitude if he happens to play in any other foreign leagues in the future,” said Zainal, who won four Malaysia Cups with the Red Giants (1981, 1982, 1986, and 1997).
Selangor FC has also been charged with punishments relating to the offences committed by their club officials during the club’s 3-1 aggregate defeat against Terengganu in the Malaysia Cup quarterfinals at the MBPJ stadium.
A total of five officials, including team official Syafiq Iqmal Fozi, have been suspended for 10 matches and fined RM 10,000 (appealable) for provocations and derogatory remarks made towards the referee officials during the match.
The Red Giants stand second in the Malaysia Super League with 52 points. — November 21, 2023