LETTER | It is most regrettable to note the recent alleged clash between football fans at the Bandar Tasik Selatan LRT station. The incident saw damage to public transport facilities and it is fortunate no injuries were reported.

Looking back, I have done my fair share of reporting when I was a young broadcast journalist attached to the sports desk of one of Malaysia’s leading broadcast networks. I know the atmosphere during a match, it can be intense, to say the least. Emotions run high and it can be overwhelming.

However, my message is simple, please stop any form of hooliganism. Football hooliganism is not new, being very notorious in the United Kingdom. It has no place in Malaysia and any society that is.

Discipline and self-pride are key, do not get carried away and use any team’s loss as a license to do whatever and God forbid compromise on public safety.

Support for moderation and good sportsmanship from fans regardless of nationality must be upheld. Please respect the hard work and merit of every athlete or team. At times pride and honour are all they have. Any win or defeat in sports is a show of skill and talent.

Sports regardless of discipline are beautiful and display the best in every athlete regardless of whether they are competing for country or pride. Credit that dedication, hard work, and merit.

National teams or athletes reflect their countri’s collective pride, unity, and, above all, patriotism. They represent us and likewise, we represent them.

Play for pride. Compete for patriotism.