Sad but true about the attendance part. I don't think the attendance will be the same when we play against Singapore next.

I see we're revisiting an old topic again. Now let me first say this. Since our last discussion, I've made it a point to follow the national team play, beginning with the Suzuki Cup Final win over Indonesia. I've noticed we have quality players especially in the form of Safee Sali, Ahmad Fakri Shaarani, Safiq Rahim and S.Kunanlan. They may not be at the top of everyone's list but they are the players I've singled out. I only wished that Safee Sali were a little younger so he'd have a longer career ahead though he isn't exactly an old man at 27. For the benefit of the national team, I'm hoping that Safiq will finally decide to play in Indonesia to further improve his game. From what I've seen, you'll be hard pressed to find a better striker of the ball in Asia.

What's my point? If this trend continues, fans will naturally return despite the increasing popularity of the EPL. Supporting one doesn't mean not supporting the other. I saw many fans with Liverpool kits also having Malaysian headbands for example, or face paintings.

Also, it was just a friendly game. Liverpool's first visit to Malaysia ever and the first ever time over 90% of Liverpool fans here have EVER seen the team play live. Some have been fans for 20 odd years. I don't expect everyone to understand the magnitude of the occasion especially if you just casually support an EPL club. For some, it was and is a chance of a lifetime.

Now on the topic of helping the national team regain support, I've always felt it was more fruitful to guide fans rather than to talk down to them. The thing is many people either aren't articulate enough or do not have the necessary soft skills to do this. Instead you hear language like, "ah traitor to the country", "unpatriotic", etc. Now people can have a multitude of reasons for not being as passionate as you. Don't pretend to understand what they are because from what I've seen, not many are matured enough to understand what empathy is including our ministry. Their understanding of encouragement is to force. When national day comes everyone MUST fly the national flag. To promote the national car, we raised import duties on foreign cars to astronomical figures, forcing the average Malaysian to but local cars. It may take more work but I've always felt that understanding someone and addressing his concerns and issues bring about more permanent results. Then again, who likes more work right?

We now have a quality product in the form of our national team. Based on recent form, I'm confident we'll get pass Singapore. Can't say much about the Olympic Qualifiers though. Japan are a different class and we'll need to be at our best against Bahrain and Syria. In summary instead of sulking and acting out when you don't see the support you want. Try guiding and educating. Our discussions have convinced me to follow the national team again and I'm sure it will only be a matter of time before more follow suit.

The attendance will be less because it is a weekday. I doubt SNBJ will be full on a weekday even if it was Barca vs. RM.

Manchester United 2nd game on weekday last time also not full house.

Why do people complain about funny things like this after a football game....I was at blue gate and the fans around me were dressed in red but we all cheered whenever Malaysia got the ball and scored. We cheered every time the either teams scored.

people esp media is just butthurt with how many liverpool supporter in malaysia since most of them tought the most supported epl team in malaysia is always the other red something..its stupid to make an issue out of this..even the menteri is butthurt!!...now you know what liverpool fc really is...

with full humility, i would like to request for all people of Liverpool who passionately cheered every-time Malaysia scored in the match the other day, to come and fill every inch of Bukit Jalil stadium in the match against arc rival Singapore this 28th of July 2011.

I fully confident that if you do, there will be plenty more 'cheering when Malaysia score' will happen. And when you experience it time and time again, you will realize that you are not actually cheering because Malaysia scored, you are a cheering because its Malaysia, the team that actually represents you. And you will find yourself cheering even if Malaysia do not score. its a pretty addictive feeling i tell you.

there will be no half-feelings this time. You are free to fully support the team in full. its not an exhibition match anymore. Its a world cup match for crying out loud. its either us or our rival who will be smiling in the end. It will bloody gore terrace rivalry. last saturday will be a stroll in the park compare to the tension in the air you will feel this 28th July.

come. lets go to bukit jalil. no one will question the color of the shirts that you wear this time.

they even created a fans page for him in facebook
http://www.facebook.com/Pravintheran.Nair.MU.Legend  

with full humility, i would like to request for all people of Liverpool who passionately cheered every-time Malaysia scored in the match the other day, to come and fill every inch of Bukit Jalil stadium in the match against arc rival Singapore this 28th of July 2011.

I fully confident that if you do, there will be plenty more 'cheering when Malaysia score' will happen. And when you experience it time and time again, you will realize that you are not actually cheering because Malaysia scored, you are a cheering because its Malaysia, the team that actually represents you. And you will find yourself cheering even if Malaysia do not score. its a pretty addictive feeling i tell you.

there will be no half-feelings this time. You are free to fully support the team in full. its not an exhibition match anymore. Its a world cup match for crying out loud. its either us or our rival who will be smiling in the end. It will bloody gore terrace rivalry. last saturday will be a stroll in the park compare to the tension in the air you will feel this 28th July.

come. lets go to bukit jalil. no one will question the color of the shirts that you wear this time.

I paid tribute to him as well.

http://www.iamdukered.com/a-hero-is-born

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Added on July 18, 2011, 2:49 pm

Already made plans to go with a friend of mine. Was looking for the national team kit in Bangsar Village yesterday but takde!

Just curious, are you pasting this in EVERY other EPL club thread as well? I haven't go look yet but I hope you did cause otherwise I would assume that you are trolling or you are just on another witch-hunt here.

man. why the prejudice? didnt you read what i said in there. i fully sincerely choose the words carefully so people understand my request.

no i did not post it in the other thread because i have not seen them cheered for Malaysia like i watched Liverpool did the other day. I want the same crowd to attend the match versus Liverpool. Get it? its not like i selectively attacking Liverpool.Its just so happen than your match just played last weekend.

man. why the prejudice? didnt you read what i said in there. i fully sincerely choose the words carefully so people understand my request.

no i did not post it in the other thread because i have not seen them cheered for Malaysia like i watched Liverpool did the other day. I want the same crowd to attend the match versus Liverpool. Get it? its not like i selectively attacking Liverpool.Its just so happen than your match just played last weekend.

lol..ur reply is kinda......it seems like we are at fault now just because our match play last weekend.......good job bro....

and u say u choose ur word carefully??then mind to explain this about this phrase there will be plenty more 'cheering when Malaysia score' will happen

it seems like u are still butthurt by keep on repeating we only cheers whenever malaysia score in the liverpool vs malaysia match.....DID you really personally in that stadium that day???

We cheers when they enter the pitch for warm-up, whenever Malaysia make a great move, whenever they win back the ball, when they come back from 4-1 down, when a freekick award to them.....Ur ears must be something wrong I guess....Do u still need more reminder??  

If you are coming from that point of view, I apologize if my remark sounded prejudice to you. I will not be making the trip back to KL for this round but I will be here (Jalan Besar) when M'sia comes over to SG to play.

To be frank on my remark, just find it disappointing that people keep saying us (those who went in Liverpool colors) in the friendly were rooting for Liverpool only. Did not choose to go back and cheer for both side, and to get blasted by people who kept thinking they are better M'sia fans than others.