Cameraman assaulted during fracas denies allegations of play-acting

A New Straits Times Press (NSTP) cameraman who was assaulted during a fracas after the Perak-Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) match has denied allegations that he was play acting.

Supian Ahmad,36, said the allegations made on social networking sites also claimed that he was paid to do it and lied that his camera was seized by JDT supporters.

"I was said to be from Perak, which is not true. The media practitioners are made out to be liars.

"I regret the assault because I am neutral. I hope they retract the allegations before I lodge a police report," he told reporters, here, today.

Supian was reportedly assaulted by JDT supporters while a camera worth about RM30,000 was seized during the fracas at Perak Stadium on Saturday.

Supian lodged a police report at Sungai Senam police station yesterday and gave images and video recording as evidence and to assist police in the investigation.

Meanwhile, Perak Media Practitioners Association chairman Sayed Mohd Hesham Sayed Idris said an act should be created to protect media practitioners when carrying out their duties.

"The assault should not have happened. Media practitioners were attacked for no reason. We do not support any team, we are a neutral party," he added.