Football ruckus: Police suspect smoke flares were brought in by drink sellers

The smoke flares and fireworks used by local fans is suspected to have been brought in by those selling drinks in the stadium before the start of the World Cup 2018 qualifying match against Saudi Arabia at the Shah Alam stadium on Wednesday, said Shah Alam chief of police, ACP Shafien Mamat.

He said thorough checking had been conducted on the fans before they were allowed into the stadium.

“I myself was at the ticket gates A and B of the stadium conducting the checks. We requested them to remove their shoes.

“Only those selling drinks did not use the entrance gate, but another gate before the match begin. So we believe that the flares may have been brought in by them into the stadium.

“We will call those who sold drinks in the stadium during the match yesterday for their statement to be recorded to aid into the investigation of the incident,” said Shafien in a press conference held today.

11 men aged between 19 and 35-years-old were remanded and investigated under Section 147 of the Penal Code for causing disturbance at the stadium.

Five of the suspects were local and private university students while two others had previous criminal record.

Police will hold a meeting with the agencies involved which include the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM), the Shah Alam City Council and the Selangor Football Association in regards to the incident. Shafien said the police have also requested relevant agencies to review the permission to bring noise makers such as vuvuzela into the stadium.