MALAYSIA hammered China's Liaoning Club 5-0 in their final friendly at the National Hockey Stadium yesterday, but the win was marred by unruly soccer fans who disrupted the match after an argument with the umpire.
Malaysia were comfortably leading 5-0 with nine minutes to go, when China's Korean coach Kim Young Soo, who doubled up as an umpire, was verbally abused by soccer fans who were at the hockey stadium waiting for the Johor-Pahang FA Cup semi-finals to start at the adjacent soccer pitch.
Kim went to the sidelines to confront the soccer supporter, who had uttered racist and derogatory words, and there was almost a fist-fight but stopped by Malaysian players as well as assistant national coach Arul Selvaraj.
The China coach then pulled back his charges and had to be convinced that the situation was under control before he asked his charges to resume playing.
"I was at the sidelines umpiring when one of the fans uttered racist words towards my players and pointed the index finger.
"I confronted him, as it was uncalled for in a friendly," said Kim.
The Ultras Malaya supporters had entered the hockey stadium and with drums, cheered the Malaysian team, but after the incident, they brought out several flares and lighted them.
In the four-match series, Malaysia won 2-1, 4-2, lost 4-3 and finally got their act together yesterday.
The goals were scored by Chua Boon Huat, Izwan Firdaus, Faizal Saari, Razie Rahim and Firhan Ashaari.
"The four matches were fantastic, as even though we played against a club side form China, but they had 10 national players and their fitness was at its best.
"We learned much from these matches, and tomorrow (today) will head for South Africa for another four matches against the National side," said coach Paul Revington.
Malaysia are preparing for the World League Semi-finals which will be held in Johor Baru from June 29 and offers a chance to qualify for the World Cup next year.
