Dear brothers and sisters from Vietnam,
I’m not here to write a report of everything that took place yesterday as a journalist. In fact I want to remove that identity from me for this letter. Think of me as a fellow football fan. Someone who appreciates the beautiful game as much as you do. Someone who felt the ecstasy you experienced yesterday, except that we did so four years ago.
I’m writing this letter for a few reasons. You see, I’m extremely impressed by what I saw from your team yesterday. Truth be told, Vietnam has probably caught my eye the most, in this year’s edition of the tournament. Your players are extremely fast but they also know what to do with the ball. Technically, you were far more superior than us, which warranted the excellent victory that was accomplished by Toshiya Miura and his troops. I’m sure you’re proud of them.
But I also understand that some of you, who came all the way from Vietnam to support your beloved team, were treated badly by a small minority of Malaysians. In fact, this small group of people even used water bottles as projectiles, besides beating up some of you, who were clad in Red and Gold.
The pictures went online and it was evident that the treatment was absolutely unjustified. After such a momentous occasion, it was frustrating to see the night come to crushing end for some of my fellow brothers and sisters from Hanoi, having to fear for their life in a foreign land. And the thing is, millions of other Malaysians agree with me, as you can see below.
Stupid irresponsible hooligan act by a group of Malaysians that attacked the Vietnam fans after the loss
— Marvyn (@MarvynLee96) December 8, 2014
Sorry vietnamese for our part of mens action at your fans #vietnam #afc #afccup2014 #sorry #forgiveness #friends pic.twitter.com/3J9YrhhACL
— ShaquilleHaaziq (@ShaquilleHaaziq) December 8, 2014
Why were Vietnam fans pelted with water bottles when they scored? Some beaten up. They came to watch a football match. Utterly embarassed.
— Prem Kumar (@supRemonition) December 7, 2014
Condemn the act of hooliganism inside and outside of the stadium. Millions apologies to #Vietnam fans and those affected. #MASvsVIE
— Nizar Irman Nordin (@ninordin) December 8, 2014
Even our Youth and Sports Minister, YB Khairy Jamaluddin, publicly criticized the incident, through his social media account.
Apa yang lebih mengecewakan saya malam tadi bukan kekalahan kita atas padang tetapi tindakan segelintir penyokong… http://t.co/b5WWnjIAI8
— Khairy Jamaluddin 🇲🇾🌺 (@Khairykj) December 7, 2014
For this reason, I’d like to apologize for all the draconian actions of a small group. I’d like to apologize for making you feel uncomfortable, in a country that has a long history and tradition of welcoming people with a smile. But more importantly, I’d like to apologize for the amount of distress you had to go through, when the beautiful game was all we were there for.
In a few days, the stakes will be different. Malaysia and Malaysians will be travelling to your land in Hanoi for the second leg, in a game where we would have to give every ounce of what we’ve got to make things count.
Now after everything that happened last night, I won’t blame you for being angry. Your anger is certainly validated, as far as I’m concerned. But I think everyone in Malaysia hopes that you would not take the actions of a few, and use it to generalize every other supporter from this country, for that generalization will lead to potential violence.
Football has never been about violence and hooligans; and some might say especially so in this region. Back in 2012, Malaysia lost to Thailand in the Suzuki Cup semi finals, but the Thai fans were incredibly accommodating after the game, singing and chanting songs with the Malaysian supporters; some even snapping pictures as well.
Similarly, Malaysians coming over to Hanoi on Thursday will be in good spirits, will have good intentions and will be there to be the backbone of the team for a game that you equally love. And hopefully, we can send a symbolic message to every single hooligan group out there, that their actions will never influence everyone else to stand by violence in any way.
The only way that can happen, is if both sets of supporters unite on Thursday, irrespective of the score line. Here’s to an excellent night of football and friendship.
Cám ơn,
A fellow brother and a football fan.
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