Hardi: Imports need a reality check.

Hardi: Imports need a reality check.

The Malay Mail undergoes ANOTHER relaunch.

That aside, Felda United player Hardi Jaafar (pic) is no stranger to the domestic and international scene.

I have always enjoyed speaking to Hardi for he is among the few footballers who are able to give their thoughts - diplomatically or otherwise - without hesitation.

So it was a pleasant surprise when I received a phone call from Hardi on Saturday. Hardi said he was tired of Felda being bashed and mocked after their clash against Negri Sembilan. The Negri team won 1-0 at the Paroi Stadium.

There were claims that Hardi was subject to foul language and was spat at. Rumours around the stand has it that the person who threw the bottle at Felda's goalkeeper Hamsani Ahmad was close to the Negri Sembilan Menteri Besar.

They are after all rumours.

Below is Hardi's take as published in today's Mailsport. Note, while Hardi has apologised on many platforms including on his facebook page and on Era FM, it is his comments toward the import players that leaves a sting.

“IT WAS a tensed match involving our team (Felda United) and Negri Sembilan. Typically, after every match I would shake the hands of every player. What happens during the 90 minutes stays on the pitch and I don’t hold grudges.

Sadly, that wasn’t the case for Owona. I was about to shake his hand but he said something really nasty. It was not cool at all. I blew my top.

Perhaps I was a little emotional but I’m also only human. You would do the same if you were in my position.

Then we were further provoked by the fans. When he headed towards the dressing room, a fan threw a bottle that almost hit Hamsani.

It was a heated affair and we were very angry. We later learnt the person who threw the bottle is close to the Negri Sembilan management. If true, we are disappointed with such conduct.

I’m tired of people constantly blaming us for the incident. My name has been smeared by many parties. I can live with that but it is unfair to the team.

Nevertheless, I have apologised to the Negri fans through my Facebook page. I also apologised on a Malay radio station days after the match.

Through you (Mailsport), I would like to offer my apologies again. I stress I bear no grudges against anybody, Owona included.

But I would like to remind all of our players – local or foreign – that there should be mutual respect between one another.

I have played with many big names, both with my previous clubs and national team. Some import players think too highly of themselves and they need a reality check.

I do not want to offend anyone and want to put this episode behind. I’m unsure if there will be disciplinary action against me by Felda United or FA of Malaysia.

Let this be a bitter lesson for us all. Enough of mocking Felda United. Let’s move forward.

We may be ‘foes’ on the pitch but once the final whistle is blown, we’re all friends.”

HD says: Let's not get too emotional shall we.

Bola Sepak: Jurulatih Dan Tiga Pemain Selangor Digantung Perlawanan

KUALA LUMPUR, 20 Mei (Bernama) -- Jurulatih pasukan bola sepak Selangor, K.Devan serta pemain tengahnya Mohd Hardi Jaafar masing-masing digantung enam perlawanan dan didenda RM6,000, ekoran insiden tegang pada perlawanan peringkat separuh akhir Piala FA di Negeri Sembilan pada 3 April lepas.

Pengerusi jawatankuasa tatatertib Persatuan Bola sepak Malaysia (FAM) Kamarudin Abdullah berkata dua lagi pemain pasukan itu masing-masing dijatuhi hukuman gantung empat perlawanan dan denda RM2,000.

Beliau berkata K.Devan didapati bersalah mengacau penolong pengadil satu, Mohd Kamil Tumin, dan mengeluarkan kata-kata kesat terhadapnya, manakala Mohd Hardi yang merupakan bekas pemain kebangsaan pula didapati bersalah menolak dan memukul belakang pengadil itu.

Katanya penyerang utama Selangor Mohd Safee Sali pula didapati bersalah menolak Mohd Kamil manakala pemain pertahanan Selangor, Razman Roslan bersalah menampar pemain Negeri Sembilan, Shahruain Abu Samah.

"Semua tertuduh dipanggil untuk memberikan penjelasan dan pihak jawatankuasa mendapati kesemuanya bersalah di bawah kod etika Tatatertib FAM 2010," katanya ketika dihubungi Bernama selepas mempengerusikan mesyuarat mengenai perkara itu, hari Khamis.

Kamaruddin berkata hukuman itu berkuatkuasa mulai Sabtu ini apabila Selangor turun menentang KL Plus di Stadium Shah Alam, di mana Devan tidak akan dibenarkan untuk bersama-sama pemain di bangku simpanan, manakala ketiga-tiga pemain itu tidak dibenarkan beraksi.

Kesemua mereka dituduh melakukan perbuatan itu pada perlawanan pusingan kedua separuh akhir Piala FA yang berlangsung di Stadium Tuanku Abdul Rahman, Paroi, apabila Selangor tewas dengan peraturan gol di tempat lawan setelah terikat dengan agregat 2-2.

Suasana menjadi tegang setelah pengadil perlawanan, Ibrahim Mohamad tidak memberikan sepakan penalti walaupun pemain-pemain Selangor mendakwa bola terkena tangan pemain Negeri Sembilan, Mohd Syukor Adan di dalam kotak penalti pada minit ke-58.