KUALA LUMPUR - Two Myanmar football supporters were injured after they were beaten up by several men at a parking lot near Shah Alam Stadium, last night, after the Sea Games football match between Myanmar and Malaysia.
The two victims aged 29 and 34 were believed to have been separated from their own supporters group prior to the assault, as they were making their way from the stadium towards the nearby Management and Science University.
The duo were punched and kicked by the group of men, causing them to sustain injuries on their bodies and faces in the 11.50am incident.
It is not known whether the assailants were Malaysians.
Shah Alam district police chief Assistant Commissioner Shafien Mamat said the victims were taken to Shah Alam hospital for treatment.
“One of the victim received outpatient treatment while another is still being treated at the hospital.
“Investigations is ongoing and efforts are being made to track down the assailants,” he said in a statement today.
Shafien said the case is being investigated under Section 148 of the Penal Code for rioting.
He said police are also seeking cooperation from members of the public to come forward should they have any information on the incident.
Shafien also called on all to refrain from making any speculation over the incident.
The incident took place after yesterday’s Sea Games Group A football match, which saw Malaysia confirm their semi-final spot.
Malaysia won the match 3-1.
Several videos believed to be of the incident have since gone viral.
The video shows a man clad in red shirt believed to be the Myanmar football jersey lying on the ground, surrounded by several people. The man’s face was covered in blood.
Although the victim looked weak, he was nevertheless trying to get up but was stopped by a member of the public.
The video had caused an uproar among netizens, with many calling Malaysians to play the role of good host for visitors.
Facebook user Hafiz Zul said as Sea Games host, every Malaysians had to behave and not act like hooligans. He said it was a big incident and it should not be taken lightly.
Another netizen, Mohamad Zain Mohamad Tawil said the Sea Games was held to strengthen ties with other countries, other than to introduce Malaysia to the outside world.
“Malaysians should be friendly (to the visitors) so they would visit the country in the future, instead of doing the opposite,” he posted.
-NST