Angry fans wreck Saudi-Malaysia World Cup qualifier
Doha
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Flare-throwing fans halted Malaysia’s World Cup qualifier with Saudi Arabia on yesterday as anger boiled over following last week’s record 10-0 defeat to UAE, which has left the team in crisis.
Militant ‘Ultras Malaya’ fans who had earlier threatened to disrupt the game hurled flares billowing orange smoke towards the pitch in the final minutes, as the hosts trailed 2-1 in the Group A match.
Players and officials were escorted to the dressing rooms and Saudi supporters were also seen leaving Shah Alam Stadium before the match was finally abandoned.
“The game is suspended. The game isn’t going to continue,” Malaysia’s interim coach Ong Kim Swee said.
About a dozen flares trailing orange smoke—as well as loud fireworks—were let off by home fans in the 88th minute.
Unconfirmed reports said two Saudi supporters were attacked.
Police said 11 people had been arrested on charges of rioting.
The ugly scenes heap further woe on soccer in Malaysia, which despite hosting the Asian Football Confederation headquarters, has been plagued by fan violence and match-fixing.
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