Football: Malaysia World Cup qualifier abandoned after angry fans hurl flares

Yasyn Alnakhli of Saudi Arabia walks off the pitch after flares were thrown on the pitch during the 2018 World Cup qualifying football match between Malaysia and Saudi Arabia in Shah Alam on Tuesday night. PHOTO: AFP
A Malaysian fireman douses flares thrown on the pitch during Tuesday night's 2018 World Cup qualifying football match. PHOTO: AFP
Malaysian supporters throw flares on the pitch during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Asian Zone qualification match between Malaysia and Saudi Arabia at Shah Alam Stadium on Tuesday night. PHOTO: AFP
Malaysian riot police stand guard after flares were thrown on the pitch during Tuesday night's World Cup qualifying football match. PHOTO: AFP
Updated
Jul 06, 2016, 08:44 AM
Published
Sep 09, 2015, 01:11 AM

SHAH ALAM (AFP) - Malaysia's World Cup qualifier against Saudi Arabia was abandoned on Tuesday (Sept 8) after fans angry at last week's record 0-10 loss hurled flares billowing smoke at the pitch, officials said.

"The game between Malaysia and Saudi Arabia has been stopped by the referee. Further decisions will be made by Fifa," said a tweet from the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM).

Malaysia were trailing 1-2 in the 88th minute when home fans threw flares and fireworks at Shah Alam Stadium, filling the venue with smoke.

Militant "Ultras Malaya" fans had threatened to disrupt the game after last week's 0-10 drubbing by UAE, after which the coach resigned and the FAM president also promised to quit.

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