PETALING JAYA, Nov 6 — The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) stood firm that measures were taken to separate fans from Pahang and Kelantan for the Malaysia Cup final at Shah Alam Stadium on Sunday.  

FAM general secretary Datuk Hamidin Amin (pic) was clarifying Mailsport’s story with the heading “Recipe for disaster” yesterday, which questioned the absence of the buffer zone to separate fans and also the increased number of fans present in the stadium.

“There was barbed wire separating the fans from both teams and also strong police presence,” said Hamidin.

“Thus we did away with the plan of the buffer zone so as to ensure more seats were made available.

“It is not a question of selling more seats but to be fair to fans as well. There are two sides to this argument and one has to understand our predicament as well.”

If the barbed wire was used, the question of whether it was safe for the fans is another that needs to be addressed.

Hamidin went on to say that Pahang and Kelantan might have to pay for the heavy damage at Shah Alam Stadium.

Hamidin said share of the gate collection for the two teams could be cut after FAM and the Shah Alam Stadium Board had completed assessment of the damage after Sunday’s Cup final.

“Once the damage is ascertained, the two teams will have to pay for it,” said Hamidin.

“We segregated the fans and hence we will assess the damage based on where their fans were seated.

“One thing we know for certain is that a gate was damaged and all other aspects are being jointly assessed by FAM and the stadium authorities.”

Hamidin admitted there were several shortcomings on Sunday, including the security on the pitch where scores of unauthorised people made their way to the track after the trophy presentation.

“These are matters we have already identified and will rectify in the future. In fact, I already had one postmortem and the second one will be done once we view the recording of the final,” said Hamidin.