The UAE Football Association issued an apology to Malaysia and banished Mohamed Khalfan Al Harasi from their 2018 Asian Games squad after the substitute sparked a huge brawl in a tempestuous friendly between the nations.
Al Harasi, 19, erupted in anger after a collision with opposing captain Adib Zainudin during the 93rd minute of Friday’s 2-0 warm-up loss to their hosts at Shah Alam Stadium. The incident caused players and members of coaching staff from both sides to violently clash, forcing referee Suhaizi Shukri to prematurely end the match.
The outburst – of which Al Ain midfielder Al Harasi later claimed was fuelled by being spat on, without naming the alleged perpetrator – provided an unwelcome distraction just four days away from the Under-23s’ Group C-opener against Syria at Indonesia’s Jalak Harupat Stadium.
“The UAE Football Association expresses its regret for the events that accompanied the match,” an official statement read.
“The main culprit was from our Olympic team, Mohammed Khalfan Al Harasi. This was not related to our usual morals and the sporting spirit, which is always a slogan for all our national teams and clubs during all matches. Both official and friendly, and in various regional, continental and international championships.
“Based on the preliminary report submitted by the administrative body of the Olympic team, it was decided to remove the player Mohammed Khalfan Al Harasi from the list of the team participating in the 2018 Asian Games. We refer him to the committees concerned with the UAE Football Association, who will take the necessary actions according to the regulations of the organisation.
“The Football Federation has apologised to the Malaysian Football Association for the unfortunate events that do not represent the UAE player’s ethics, stressing that sport is ethical before it is competitive.”
Al Harasi is one of the latest starlets produced by the productive Al Ain academy. He has scored once in six Arabian Gulf League matches.
A disciplinary record in the 2016/17 Arabian Gulf Reserve League which included 10 yellow cards in 20 appearances evidences his spiky side.
The teenager attempted to explain his actions on social media.
He said: “I would like to apologise to everybody, for everything. But we have been assaulted and I was spat in my face.
“The name of the UAE is above everything. I needed to hold my nerves, a bit.
“Again, I would like to apologise for everyone in the UAE.”
Malaysia accepted the UAE’s apologies and stated they would be submitting a report to governing body, the AFC.
“After a discussion, Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) received a formal letter from UAE FA stating that they apologise for the incident and take seriously what happened and will be conducting an internal investigation for actions to be taken against players and team officials involved,” said FAM general secretary Stuart Ramalingam.
“On the FAM’s side, however, we will be submitting a report to the Match Commissioner (MC) and referee to AFC today (Saturday) and will follow up with AFC if they need anything else after AFC examines the reports from all parties.”
Maciej Skorza currently leads the UAE U-23s. Their best finish came with silver at the 2010 edition, under Mahdi Ali.