KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 10 — While the tie may be strained now, Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz does not foresee a long-term fallout between Malaysia and Saudi Arabia as a result of the overt display of Malaysia’s hooliganism during Tuesday’s World Cup qualifying match.
The tourism and culture minister told reporters tonight that there may be some lingering unhappiness over the incident, but added that he did not think it will caused any backlash from Middle Eastern countries.
“I do not think there be backlash. Yes, there are some unhappiness caused by disgraceful and shameful action of these people,” he said.
However, Nazri said he agreed with his Cabinet colleague, Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin that Malaysia should be proactive and not act complacent about the effects from the disastrous football match.
“I agree with Khairy’s statement and we should repair this. We will have discussions and talk about this,” he added.
Flares and smoke bombs were thrown onto the Shah Alam stadium pitch during Malaysia’s match with Saudi Arabia for the World Cup qualifier two nights ago, causing the game to be suspended.
The police have detained 11 Malaysians, said to be supporters of hardcore football fans on suspicion of causing the chaos.
The incident followed Malaysia’s 10-0 defeat to the United Arab Emirates in another World Cup qualifier game last Thursday, a result which news portal The Star Online claimed prompted the Ultras Malaya to allegedly protest against the Football Association of Malaysia.
