Friday, July 17, 2009

WHO WILL YOU SUPPORT?



Manchester United have called off their match in Indonesia after bomb blasts hit the hotel they were due to stay in.

United chief executive David Gill indicated the team might extend their stay in Malaysia but would consult the country's football association before announcing a decision.

"We could bring the Indonesian team here (in Kuala Lumpur). We'll go through all the different possibilities and evaluate which is the most appropriate.

"There are lots of things to be done before we sort out the logistics for the rest of the week.

"We have to consider the safety of the players and the staff and everyone else in the team because they are of paramount importance. We have taken the appropriate advice. It is not a decision we have taken lightly."

The squad arrived in Kuala Lumpur ahead of Saturday's clash against a Malaysia XI and were set to face an Indonesia All Star side on Monday.

At least nine people were killed and 48 injured in the attacks in Jakarta. Monday's match in Jakarta had been a 100,000 sell-out, with the club due to stay in the city's Ritz-Carlton for four nights.

"We are working on a revised itinerary outside Indonesia with the promoters and we will make a further announcement when these decisions have been made," said MU in a statement.

"We are deeply disappointed at not being able to visit Indonesia and thank the Indonesian FA and our fans for their support. Our thoughts go to all those affected by the blasts."

EARLIER POSTING

Manchester United will touch down in an hours time, and they take on the Malaysian Selection tomorrow at 5.30pm at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil. From the time they set foot on Malaysia, the United players will be subject a whole list of PR activities for their sponsors and promoters.

It is not the match that I want to talk about but rather the training session scheduled for 5.30pm today at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil.

It has been widely reported that some 50,000 fans have been provided with training passes to watch United train at 5.30pm. That is far more then what the Malaysia Cup Final crowd last season.

But just how many of them will stay back and watch the Malaysian team training at 7.00pm at the same venue.

No doubt the Stadium tomorrow will see a sea of red shirts, supporting The Devils, but where is our national pride or is it just limited to the battle cry Malaysia Boleh.

Will the top brass of FAM don the Malaysian jersey as they are seated in the VVIP box, the same applies to the host of invitees FAM had invited for the match? FAM could have stated attire: Malaysian Jersey instead of smart casual.

However I know of one FAM top gun who is a staunch Man United supporter who intends to sit with the crowd and hopefully wear the Malaysian Jersey.

AS for me, I am a staunch supporter of ABU Club, which stands for ANYTEAM BUT UNITED..