Crocs, fans teach Perak a positive lesson — Alberts

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ON TARGET: Sarawak’s Muamer Salibasic (right) and Junior Eldstal celebrating after the former scored his third goal against Perak last Saturday at the Stadium Negeri. Sarawak won 6-1. — Photo by Muhd Rais Sanusi

KUCHING: Sarawak head coach Robert Alberts, delighted with his team’s 6-1 Malaysia Cup triumph over Perak, thanked fans for the special atmosphere at the Stadium Negeri last Saturday.

He said that the Crocs and their fans taught Perak a valuable lesson in letting the football do the talking instead of relying on off-field distractions to stain the beautiful game.

“Football is a beautiful game and it is important to have a good positive atmosphere while playing it. Sarawak fans have shown good character tonight, that is what every football team and match should be about,” he added.

He noted that Sarawak fans saved their energy for cheering their team and there was no untoward incident during and after the match.  But Alberts revealed that he remained disappointed that Perak did not ‘make amends’ as their officials refuse to shake hands with the Sarawak officials after the match.

“It just shows the lack of sportsmanship. Such acts can also only be commited by sore losers,” he added.

The Sarawak team endured a torrid time in their first Group D match in Perak last month which was marred by certain unpleasant incidents.

Alberts claimed the Crocs lost their concentration during that match and eventually lost 1-2.

It was reported that Perak fans threw firecrackers at the Sarawak’s substitute players who were warming up and Perak officials shouted profanities at their Sarawak counterparts. One official even showed an obscene finger gesture.

Meanwhile after last Saturday’s final group matches, Sarawak and Singapore Lions XII finished first and second place respectively in Group D to qualify for the quarter-finals.

The Crocs will play away against Sime Darby in the first leg of the Malaysia Cup quarter- final on Sept 28.