KUALA LUMPUR: Numerous football fans have voiced their support for the Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, on social media after he spoke out against the "excessive punishment" imposed on Selangor FC by the Malaysia Football League (MFL).
A check on the comments section on social media showed that they support the Selangor ruler's stand on the issue.
Sultan Sharafuddin has expressed his unhappiness with the MFL over the RM100,000 fine and other penalties imposed on Selangor for pulling out of the Charity Shield match on May 10.
In the official Royal Selangor Office statement that the Sultan signed off on, he said he "considers the decision by the MFL irresponsible, made without compassion, inhumane, and lacking in concern for the injustice that occurred."
Facebook user, Kamarul Kadir, even said he wants to see the offices of the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) and the MFL, which is located in Kelana Jaya, Selangor, be moved elsewhere.
"FAM and MFL should pack up their offices and move somewhere else," he wrote.
Another fan, Richard Nah Khai Huat, said the Sultan is absolutely correct. "Daulat Tuanku. Sultan Selangor is absolutely correct. Hold our Selangor's pride not to be bullied!"
Hafiz Baggio Hafiz recommended that Selangor play in the Saudi league where Brazilian superstar Neymar and Portuguese legend Cristiano Ronaldo ply their trade.
"Before that please exile (FAM president) Datuk Hamidin from the state," he added.
Many also commended Sultan Sharafuddin for speaking up against MFL's "excessive punishment" on Selangor FC.
On Tuesday, MFL fined Selangor RM100,000 and docked them three league points for withdrawing from the Charity Shield match. Selangor will also have to play their home match against JDT in November behind closed doors.
On top of that, Selangor have to compensate JDT and the MFL for losses incurred due to their pullout.
This has also led to the resignation of FAM exco member Datuk Seri Shahril Mokhtar, who is also FAS deputy president.