Former Malaysia national team captain Safiq Rahim was the victim of an attack in southern Johor state, where he plays for top club Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT), at the end of a training session. Two assailants threatened him with a hammer and smashed the rear windscreen of his car, but he was not injured. Safiq posted about the incident on Instagram, expressing his surprise at being attacked near the training center and calling for increased vigilance.
The attack on Safiq took place around 10.05pm as he was driving near the JDT training center in Sri Gelam, Johor Bahru. Two men on a motorcycle approached his car with a hammer, causing him to fear for his safety. Safiq reversed his car to avoid further confrontation, and the assailants eventually left the scene. The incident left him shaken, prompting him to lodge a police report and share the details on social media.
JDT’s chief executive officer, Alistair Edwards, expressed the club’s concern over the attack on Safiq and emphasized the importance of player security. As a precautionary measure, the club has increased security for its players and advised them to be cautious of their surroundings, including what they share on social media. Edwards called on the Royal Malaysian Police to promptly investigate the incident to ensure the safety of the team and prevent future attacks.
The incident involving Safiq Rahim marks the third attack on a footballer in Malaysia in the past week, raising concerns about the safety of athletes in the country. The attacks have caught the attention of the football community and highlighted the need for stronger security measures to protect players. Malaysian football authorities are likely to take action to address the issue and prevent further incidents that could endanger the well-being of athletes.
Safiq’s experience serves as a reminder of the risks faced by professional footballers, who can become targets of violence from individuals with malicious intentions. The incident has highlighted the vulnerability of players, especially when they are off the field and in public spaces. By sharing his story and advocating for greater vigilance, Safiq has underscored the importance of player safety and the need for adequate security measures to safeguard athletes in potentially risky situations.
As investigations into the attack on Safiq Rahim continue, the football community in Malaysia and beyond is keeping a close eye on developments to ensure justice is served and measures are taken to prevent similar incidents in the future. The incident has sparked conversations about player safety in sports and prompted calls for increased protection for athletes, both on and off the field. By standing up against violence and speaking out about his ordeal, Safiq has become a vocal advocate for player security and the well-being of athletes in the footballing world.
