Crocs cringe at playing in empty stadium

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The Crocs posing against the background of an empty Stadium Negeri last week. — Photo by Chimon Upon.

The Crocs posing against the background of an empty Stadium Negeri last week. — Photo by Chimon Upon.

KUCHING: Sarawak appear to suffer from playing in an empty stadium after succumbing to a 0 – 2 defeat at the hands of T-team last Saturday.

The Crocs are currently serving a two-match ban on fans at the Stadium Negeri.

The ban will still be in effect for their next home match against Pahang on April 23.

Sarawak assistant coach David Usop did not mince his words when talking about the disadvantage of playing without Sarawak fans.

“Of course the support of fans is vital for the team. Fans are an inspiration for the team to play their hearts out and give it all the best during the match,” he told The Borneo Post yesterday.

“Based on the result last week, it shows that the team missed the fans badly and we hope that after the match against Pahang next week, we would not have to play to an empty stadium ever again.”

Last month, Football Association of Sarawak (FAS) was taken to task by Football Association of Malaysia disciplinary committee for crowd trouble during and after a Super League match against Felda United on Feb 16 this year.

FAS was also fined a sum of RM25,000.

The Crocs have won only one out of seven matches in the Super League season so far. With five points from that win and two draws, they currently sit dangerously at 10th place – just above the relegation zone in the league table.

Just when head coach Datuk K Rajagobal seemed to have lifted the mood in the dressing room after last week’s 2 -1 win over Penang, the team really need to pick themselves up again.

A daunting task also await them in their next match. They are up against reigning champions JDT on April 20.