ALOR STAR: Just after a week into the new M-League season, an "old problem", controversial refereeing, has already reared its ugly head.
Season after season, Malaysian referees always end up in the bad book of football fans, right or wrong.
For many years, from early season right to the season-ending Malaysia Cup final, Malaysian referees have courted controversies.
On Saturday, referee Azizan Saat Ariffin flashed the red card to Kedah captain Manuel Ott in the 59th minute and Kedah coach Nafuzi Zain in the 70th.
Ott was involved in an incident with Police player Fadi Mahmoud who appeared to be time-wasting during a set piece. Nafuzi was sent off for showing dissent towards the fourth official. Police's Bruno Suzuki scored the winner in the 70th minute.
Azizan's decisions seemed to have changed the dynamics of the game as Police pulled off a major upset with a 1-0 win over heavyweights Kedah at the Darulaman Stadium.
After the match, about 1,000 angry fans gathered at the stadium entrance to protest against Azizan.
Kedah FC chief executive Khamal Idris Ali said his team will complain to the FA of Malaysia against Azizan and the other match officials.
"It's not because we lost and are dissatisfied. We complain because we want to see action taken to improve the quality of our referees for future matches.
"We respect the referee's decisions. But we hope to see a consistent and high level of refereeing to avoid tension among players and fans," added Khamal.
Kedah assistant coach Victor Andrag believes that the two red cards cost them the match.
"A red card always has a big impact on the team, and the effect is even bigger when the captain and the head coach are sent off.
"The players had trouble controlling their emotions after what happened on the pitch."
Victor, however, did not want to comment about the standard of refereeing in that match. He can't say much or else he will be punished by FAM or the Malaysian Football League (MFL).
However, Football Coaches Association of Malaysia president B. Satiananthan had recently voiced concerns over the refereeing quality in the M-League.
But he said the coaches must adhere to MFL rules, and there is a clause in their contracts which does not allow them to complain publicly over issues.
KL City coach Bojan Hodak, who was frustrated by the refereeing in his team's 2-2 draw against Penang recently, has also asked why coaches aren't allowed to speak openly about refereeing quality. In that match, referee Tuan Mohd Yaasin Tuan Mohd Hanafiah was said to have made questionable calls throughout the game.
The 2023 season has only just kicked off. More coaches are expected to see red over referees due to controversial decisions.
