Even the Deputy President of FAM Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah did not mince his words when asked about the performamce of the national football team in the ongoing Asia Cup. Below is the report from Berna that may or may not appear tomorrow.
"What a shameful display!"
The words uttered by Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) deputy president Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah probably summed up what Malaysians feel about the shocking display by the national football squad against China yesterday.
Visibly upset by the humiliating 1-5 defeat to China in the Asian Cup opener, he apologised to spectators at Bukit Jalil Stadium for the listless display meted out by the footballers.
"I apologise to all the spectators and want to shake their hands. I am truly disappointed with their inept display," he told reporters after presenting the Pahang cooperative quality award here last night.
Asked why the players fielded could not perform, he said the question should be directed at coach Norizan Bakar.
"The coach has the power to choose the players and he should know better. Only the coach and players will be able to say what happened that night. I was also a spectator."
He said although the Chinese had the height advantage and were quicker, the Malaysian players should not be intimidated and should be able to provide stiff opposition.
Tengku Abdullah hoped that the national squad would be able to correct the weaknesses and put on a better display in the remaining matches.
"I hope there will not be a repeat of what happened that night but I am still wary of conceding more goals," he added. (BERNAMA)
