There is no truth that referees are giving preferential treatment to five-time Malaysian Super League champions Johor Darul Takzim, says FAM Referees Committee chairman ACP (R) Dali Wahid.
Responding to a report in a local daily Dali said referees have been told to be “Fair and Firm” when officiating a match.
“So far the referees have carried out their duties fairly. All match reports are studied in detail for assessment. Any shortcomings are handled professionally” said Dali.
Dali rubbished the report in the daily which said that the Southern Tigers are getting preferential treatment during a match.
“It is true JDT has been awarded four penalties but there is nothing fishy in that. The penalties were deserving penalties because of infringements by the opposing team players inside the box.”
“JDT is not the only team to have been awarded penalties. Melaka, Perak, and Felda are among other teams who have been awarded penalties and the spot kicks were earned on merit.’
Meanwhile, JDT club owner Major General Tunku Ismail Ibni Sultan Ibrahim is also irked by the newspaper report and took to the Facebook o voice his disappointment.
“Journalists should write based on fact, not emotions. They have to be fair and treat teams equally. Not write like a fan of a rival team. Unfortunately, this is not the case for some in Malaysia.
“I read a Berita Harian article today that irresponsibly insinuates the JDT FC get preferential treatment by referees in regards to penalties. I cannot understand how such an article was written and published. I cannot hekp but think that there is an agenda behind writing such a story which basically creates something out of nothing.
“Does the writer not understand football to be unable to differentiate between right and wrong decision by match officials.”
JDT next face Selangor at the Shah Alam Stadium on March 1 before facing defending AFC Champions League champions Kashima Antlers in their Group E match away on March 5.
In the Super League, the Southern Tigers are unbeaten after four matches and lying second behind leaders Kedah on goal difference with 10 points each. RIZAL ABDULLAHÂ
