AFF CUP (Hooligans Should Pay Dearly)

The writer believes that a beautiful camaraderie
 makes life a wonderful journey.

            In the past few months, several Malaysian athletes have failed doping tests, and while we are still trying to face the fact that that some athletes may be cheaters, we need to also realise that some football fans are hooligans. This follows the incident during the semi-final match of the Asean Football Federation Cup between Malaysia and Vietnam recently.

            It is frustrating that some seem proud to behave in an unruly manner in public and worse, the victims came from a different country. These people have tarnished the country’s good name and reputation through their insensitive acts. It is indeed embarrassing and the most violent incident ever recorded in the competition, as described by the organisers.

            It is true that a few bad apples should not affect the quality of other apples in the basket, but there are apparently more people in the country who think that it is okay to be bad, as gangsterism is becoming the country’s main social ill. Bullying has taken place in schools, on the roads, on the Internet and now, in the spectators’ seats. Nowadays, things happen before we know it so we need to act immediately.   

            As it is too late for a formal education, those charged with committing violence should be jailed for a long period of time. They may be fined, but money is sometimes not a problem for them, so many get away without learning their lesson. 

          Counseling sessions, too, may be necessary to help these criminals with self-reflection and repentance. They need to undergo proper treatment and rehabilitation so that they will not repeat their crime.

It is also time the authorities consider severe punishment for juvenile delinquents as more teenagers are turning to gangsterism/ They see being wild and dangerous as a lifestyle. This issue should be properly addressed as it risks both the bullies and the victims’ lives as well as create chaos in society.

            Let us keep cheering for our athletes without going overboard or overreacting. To be rude is not Malaysian and to be overly emotional will never make us better supporters.

Courtesy of New Straits Times

19 December 2014