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PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Football League (MFL) has announced that tomorrow’s Charity Shield match at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium in Iskandar Puteri has been cancelled.

In a statement, MFL said this followed Selangor FC’s decision to withdraw from the match against Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) due to safety concerns.

“The decision of Selangor FC was communicated through an official letter sent to MFL, resulting in JDT being awarded a ‘walkover’ victory with a score of 3-0 and gaining three points for the Super League match,” it said.

“Other matters related to the withdrawal will be brought to the attention of the MFL board of directors for further deliberation.”

Earlier today, Selangor ruler Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah voiced support for Selangor FC’s decision to withdraw from the Charity Shield match against JDT amid concern over a string of attacks against footballers.

Terengganu FC winger Akhyar Rashid was attacked by two robbers last week upon returning from training, while Selangor FC winger Faisal Halim was left in critical condition after being splashed with acid at a shopping mall on Sunday.

JDT midfielder Safiq Rahim meanwhile had his car windscreen smashed by unknown assailants late on Tuesday.

The Selangor Royal Office said the sultan was disappointed that MFL had rejected Selangor FC’s request to postpone the match.

Meanwhile, JDT CEO Alistair Edwards said that his team was disappointed with Selangor FC’s decision to withdraw from the match despite assurances from the police regarding the team’s safety.