Kota Kinabalu: Supporters are warned against turning the Malaysia Cup quarter-final second leg tie between Sabah FC and Kuching City FC into a political platform at the Likas Stadium tonight (Friday).
Sabah FC’s chief venue coordinator Shamsuddin Mohd Shah said in a statement on Thursday that political flags or banners are not allowed into the stadium.
“Any form of banners, flags, slogans and clothes that have political, racial, religious and provocation elements are strictly prohibited from being installed, brought in or worn inside and on the stadium grounds during the Malaysia Cup matches to comply with the instructions issued by the Malaysian Football League (MFL) recently.
“The ban also includes any election campaign activity, distribution of party pamphlets or activity of distributing any form of political assistance, and strict action will be taken against any individual who fails to comply with this rule,” he said.
According to him, Sabah FC’s security personnel and the stadium authorities will conduct a thorough inspection to prevent prohibited items from being brought into the stadium.
He also called on all spectators to come to the stadium as early as 6.30pm to avoid congestion as the match is scheduled to start at 8.15pm with some 20,000 fans expected to attend.
“We once again encourage the spectators present to wear face masks throughout the match.
“They are also not allowed to bring drink bottles, umbrellas and helmets into the stadium,” he said.
Meanwhile, Sabah FC can expect a torrid time from the Premier League side despite taking a one goal advantage going into the match.
They edged the visitors 1-0 in the first leg held at the State Stadium in Kuching last Saturday with the only goal scored by skipper Baddrol Bakhtiar.
Kuching FC’s Liberian striker Aby Kamara has sent an early warning to Sabah FC that his side still fancy their chances and will not go down without a fight.
“Sabah are certainly the favourites on paper but it is not a comfortable position for them.
“We fought well last week and were punished by a small mistake. We have very strong fighting spirit and this time we are going for the win and if Sabah can score one against us at home, why can’t we do the same,” he said.
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