Hardi: Respect one another

HARDI: During his altercation with Negri fans

PETALING JAYA: Felda United midfielder Hardi Jaafar has been receiving brickbats since his altercation with Negri Sembilan import player Effa Owona at the Paroi Stadium on Jan 21.

Having played for the national Under-23 team in 2006 before graduating to the senior ranks two years later, Hardi is no stranger to hostile environments.

However, the Ipoh-born Hardi lost his cool when Owona allegedly used foul language and spat at him, prompting a fight.

Hardi then threw another fit when the Negri fans started hurling abuse from the stands and threw a bottle that missed Felda goalkeeper Hamsani Ahmad as they were heading towards the dressing room.

Hardi’s conduct was recorded and found its way on YouTube while blogs continue to mock Felda United for their lack of sportsmanship.

HARDI REVEALS HIS SIDE OF THE STORY TO MAILSPORT

“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.”