KUALA TERENGGANU: The Terengganu FA had better have a convincing explanation for their brand of justice or risk losing funding from the state – all of RM3mil.

Terengganu Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Said expressed shock and anger yesterday over the light punishment dished out to the three errant players and the harsh six-month suspension slapped on coach Peter Butler, who had highlighted their acts of indiscipline.

“If the Terengganu FA feel they are so smart, they can find their own funding,” fumed Ahmad, who has always maintained the need for discipline and integrity in the team.

The FA’s disciplinary committee had, on Monday, suspended Butler for issuing statements regarding the indiscipline of players to the media without the approval of the team management.

He had alleged that Ismail Faruqi and Muslim Ahmad had breached discipline by breaking curfew and bringing women back to their hotel room on the eve of their Malaysia Cup match against Kedah in Alor Setar on Aug 28.

Ismail and Muslim, who admitted they had snuck out and only returned to the hotel at 3am, were given a warning and fined RM1,000 each.

The FA were clearly upset that Butler had stirred up a hornet’s nest as his subsequent allegations of match-fixing resulted in a probe and investigation by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Agency (MACC).

The Englishman was also fined 15 per cent of his salary for shoving and cursing at goalkeeper Ahmad Sharbinee Allawee during the Malaysia Cup match against Kedah in Kuala Terengganu on Sept 1 when the player was substituted after fumbling a corner kick into his own goal.

Ahmad Sharbinee, who threw a water bottle at Butler on being replaced, also got off lightly with just a warning and a RM1,000 fine for his act of insubordination.

“They know my thoughts on this. I have never compromised on discipline,” said Ahmad.

“So if the management don’t heed my advice, I will pull the funding as this is a matter affecting the state’s pride and honor. It’s as simple as that. I can’t say more until I have seen the official report on the FA’s decision.

“I have told the FA countless times that only players of integrity and quality should play for Terengganu.

“The shameful 6-1 loss to Kelantan last week is unacceptable. Was it a form of protest by the players towards the coach and management?” he asked.

“We’ll see what happens next.”

- The Star 

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