Fans in Malaysia urged to boycott 'circus games' against Tottenham and Liverpool 

  • Malaysia XI due to play Tottenham on May 27 and Liverpool on July 24
  • Fans upset as Spurs game could disrupt World Cup qualifying preparations
  • Supporters' group Ultras Malaya urging fans to boycott the games
  • Hashtag '#SayNoToCircusGame' hsa been prominent on Twitter recently

Tottenham and Liverpool's fixtures against Malaysia this summer are nothing more than 'circus games' according to a local supporters group, who have called on fans to boycott the matches.

Spurs are due to play a select XI on May 27, while Liverpool head out to Asia for a match in Jakarta in July.

But there is growing unease in Malaysia over the fixture with Mauricio Pochettino's side in particular, as it may disrupt the team's preparations for local World Cup qualifiers.

Tottenham are due to play a Malaysia Xi in May but a supporters group are urging fans to boycott the game

Tottenham are due to play a Malaysia Xi in May but a supporters group are urging fans to boycott the game

Supporters' group Ultras Malaya wants the team to focus on World Cup qualifiying

Supporters' group Ultras Malaya wants the team to focus on World Cup qualifiying

A local supporters' group called Ultras Malaya have been urging fans to boycott the game at the Shah Alam Stadium.


Alfadli Awaludin, a senior member of the group, told the local media outlet Utusan that the games are not what Malaysian football needs. 

'The timing is not right,' he was quoted as saying. 'We should focus on much more important fixtures like the World Cup qualifying campaign. Why should we focus on games that won't bring any benefits to us? What if our players get injured during the game against Spurs? Who will play for the World Cup qualifying matches then?'

Malaysia are ranked at 166 in the FIFA world rankings and face East Timor and Palestine in two crucial fixtures in June as they look to make their first World Cup in 2018.

The Ultras Malaya group started a '#SayNoToCircusGame' hashtag, which has been prominent on Twitter, with fans disgruntled that the games with the Premier League giants are disrupting local football.

Tottenham are due to play the Malaysia XI at the Shah Alam Stadium

Tottenham are due to play the Malaysia XI at the Shah Alam Stadium

Malaysia are ranked 166 in the FIFA world rankings and are hoping to qualify for their first World Cup

Malaysia are ranked 166 in the FIFA world rankings and are hoping to qualify for their first World Cup

Awaludin claims he had already bought tickets to go and see his favourite Super League side Selangor play in Sarawak, only for the match to be postponed to accommodate Liverpool's arrival.

He told Reuters that Tottenham and Liverpool would be better off playing each pother.

'It is not that we hate Liverpool coming, Spurs, Arsenal or even Manchester, Barcelona or whoever coming. We don't hate them, it's just the concept is not right.

'Why do you put this circus match higher than your league game? It is ridiculous to me. It is not for us to follow their schedule. 

Is it just that they are from the Premier League and we have to bend down? That is an issue of pride. This is our league.'

Liverpool's match in Malaysia isn't due to take place until July but the supporter's group are still unhappy

Liverpool's match in Malaysia isn't due to take place until July but the supporter's group are still unhappy

 

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