KUALA LUMPUR – National football player Syamer Kutty Abba is disappointed over fans’ decision to boycott this year’s Merdeka Tournament but said that he really hopes they would reconsider the decision and rally behind Harimau Malaya.
The 27-year-old midfielder’s response came after it was reported that Ultras Malaya, the largest supporters’ group in the country, is boycotting this year’s tournament as a form of protest to demand the resignation of Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) president Datuk Hamidin Mohd Amin.
The fans’ decision was also influenced by the abrupt resignation of former national head coach Kim Pan-gon and several other issues within FAM.
Syamer, who has made 74 appearances across all levels (under-17, under-20, under-23, and senior) of the national team, said he hopes that fans will fill the 85,000-capacity Bukit Jalil National Stadium if his team puts on a commendable performance in their opening match against the Philippines tomorrow.
“Of course, I’m disappointed that fans will be boycotting the team this year. We play football for the fans, and we are nothing without them.
“Their cheers are like a tonic, motivating us during matches. It’s disheartening to hear what’s happening off the pitch, but we respect their decision.
“At the end of the day, we are just footballers, and we cannot control external factors. Whether the fans come to the stadium or not, our job is to play well and put up a good fight.
“I’m a person who will always fight for the badge, and I have been doing it for years. I’m very sure all my teammates will do the same.
“But to be honest, we need their support in the stadium. Even if they aren’t there in person, we know they’ll be watching us from home.
“Hopefully, they will return to the stadium if we reach the final, and I can promise that we will fight till the end and give the fans what they want through our performance,” said Syamer at today’s pre-match conference at the National Stadium.
Last year, around 46,000 fans watched Malaysia defeat India 4-2 in the opening match at the National Stadium. The final between Tajikistan and Harimau Malaya drew around 37,000 fans, with the former lifting the trophy after a 2-0 victory.
As of today, it was reported that FAM has managed to sell less than 1,000 tickets for the 43rd edition of the Merdeka Tournament, which will kick off tomorrow and run until Sunday.
National head coach Pau Marti Vincente, who replaced former head coach Pan-gon in July, will guide his team against Lebanon, the Philippines, and defending champions Tajikistan in a bid to win this year’s Merdeka Tournament trophy. – September 3, 2024
