HOME Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail called the public to not to make any speculation, including on the alleged involvement of the royalties in the attack on Malaysian footballers, as the police is investigating the case.

He said police would ensure the safety of football players in this country.

“Our football world is still small, so priority should be on increasing performance, inculcating a conducive environment and boosting our ranking. The two recent incidents are saddening.

“To all football players, I assure you that safety and peace will remain. They (football players) should focus on the upcoming league,” he said after a seminar at the Defence Services Asia and National Security Asia 2024 exhibitions today.

Saifuddin also warned social media users against spreading hate speech against national football players after the attack.

He said the police is tracking social media users who are doing so.

“Lately, there are personal attacks, in the form of social media postings, on football players. We cannot underestimate that this has cultivated excessive hate (towards the football players).

“We have received reports of social media accounts, including Facebook accounts, that targeted football players solely to spread hate, as well as mocking and belittling the players.

“Every action and movement of the players are scrutinised. I urge all to stop,” he said

Saifuddin added that the police would not compromise on public safety and he had given his assurance that it is taking threats against the football players very seriously.

He made the statement following the recent attacks on two national football players and viral posts on social media alleging the involvement of royalties and “gangsters” on the matter.

National footballer from Selangor FC, Faisal Halim (picture), was splashed with concentrated sulphuric acid, causing him to suffer burns on several parts of his body, including his face.

Meanwhile, national footballer from Terengganu FC, Akhyar Rashid, reportedly suffered minor injuries to his head and legs during an alleged robbery in Kuala Terengganu.

Saifuddin said the police remained committed to tracking and arresting the perpetrators. — TMR