"Don't Be A Clown & Racist" — Sarawakian Footballer Responds To Uncalled-For Dayak Remark
Perak FC wingback Tommy Mawat Bada was involved in an altercation with a Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) player on Sunday, 10 November.
By Yap Wan Xiang — 13 Nov 2024, 11:08 AM
Perak FC wingback Tommy Mawat Bada has expressed his disappointment after receiving a racist comment on social media following an altercation with a Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) player
In an Instagram Story posted on Monday, 11 November, the Sarawak-born footballer said he accepts criticism but urged netizens to avoid racial remarks in football.
Tommy highlighted one comment that referenced his Dayak heritage, which read, "Serves you right, that Dayak. He blocked another player for no reason."
He expressed his disappointment, emphasising that while everyone is entitled to their opinion, football fans should not cross the line into racism.
"If you are angry, do not hurt the feelings of my family or race, in this case, the Dayaks. Yes, I was born a Dayak; it is in my blood.
"I'm always proud of my race. So, brothers and sisters, do not incite racial hatred, you will regret it later.
"Do not Dayak, Dayak me. What if other Dayaks saw and read your comment? Can you handle them?
"Do not be a clown and racist. God bless you and thank you. Do not spread hate among football [fans]," he wrote.
The netizen's remark comes after JDT winger Arif Aiman Hanapi was seen punching Tommy in the 83rd minute of the Malaysian Super League match on Sunday, 10 November
Tommy retaliated by hitting Arif's back and choking him as teammates and the referee tried to break up the fight.
Both players were given yellow cards. However, former Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) disciplinary committee chairman Kamarudin Abdullah said Arif should have received a red card for punching Tommy, reported Berita Harian.
He added that both players could face suspensions in the league for their conduct.
