KUALA TERENGGANU, April 22 (Bernama) — The management of the Terengganu football team has faced a barrage of criticism from its supporters, following a series of defeats in the past few matches.
Such emotion is understandable, given the fiery passion which the game can evoke in die-hard soccer fans.
Last night, the matter took an ugly turn.
About 11.30pm, about 100 angry supporters vented their fury at Terengganu team manager Datuk Che Mat Jusoh when they attacked his house to show their dissatisfaction over the team’s dismal performance at the FA Cup first quarter-final.
The Turtles lost 1-2 to Sime Darby.
The supporters threw, not just caution and good sense to the wind, but also hurled rocks and stones at Che Mat’s house in Kampung Panji Alam here.
The attack was the culmination of a protest outside the Sultan Ismail Nasiruddin Shah Stadium here, just after the match.
Following that, more than 500 enraged fans gathered along the route leading out of the stadium and holding banners and posters, demanded that Che Mat and coach Mat Zan Mat Aris resign.
Che Mat contacted the police who brought the situation under control when a team of policemen went to the house and dispersed the unruly crowd.
When contacted by Bernama, the team manager said he regretted the action of the supporters, describing it as “uncivilised”.
Nevertheless, he said he would not resign.
Meanwhile, Terengganu CID chief ACP K. Manoharan said the aggressive action of the unruly supporters had damaged the roof of Che Mat’s house.
While no arrest was made, he said the case was investigated under rioting and sabotage.
In a related development, Terengganu Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Said will convene a special meeting with the Terengganu football management and coaches on Tuesday.– BERNAMA
