The 65,000-odd Kelantan fans, all clad in red, stole the show with an explosive display of raw passion at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil last night.
The Malaysia Cup final between the Red Warriors and Negri Sembilan, which drew a capacity 85,000 crowd, had the feel of a carnival thanks to the over-exuberant celebrations of both sets of fans.
Elusive silverware: Kelantan fans hoist up a replica of the Malaysia Cup last night. The state last won a major football tournament in 1921.
The Kelantan fans managed to smuggle in fireworks into the stadium to ‘light up’ the atmosphere, much to the displeasure of the police, Federal Reserve Unit (FRU) and Rela members.
With the Kelantan state government declaring Sunday as a public holiday, thousands of die-hard supporters boarded more than 150 buses for the long trip from Kota Baru to Bukit Jalil.
They even chartered a train service for 1,500 fans to travel from Tumpat to here.
The Kelantan supporters also came prepared with huge giant banners – “Gomo Klate Gomo Klate”, “Kito Anok Kelate ... Bako Orghe Brani ... Bilo Masuk Padang ... Kito Gomo Sengot”, “40 Tahun Menanti, Piala Malaysia Milik Kami”, “The Red Warriors ... History In The Making” – to inspire their players.
Not to be outdone, the “Hobin Jang Hobin” Negri fans, clad in bright yellow, made their presence felt at one corner of the stadium.
Trouble on the terraces: Kelantan fans setting fire to the plastic seats during the Malaysia Cup final against N.Sembilan yesterday.
They even had their own band and came with their “Deer” mascot.
Also present to give the Deer support was the Yang di-Pertuan Besar Negri Sembilan Tuanku Muhriz Ibni Almarhum Tuanku Munawir.
The gates were opened as early as 4.30pm and, by 6.30pm, the Kelantan fans had filled more than half the stadium. It was learnt that some unruly fans even gate-crashed into the stadium.
The fans were entertained by the Police march band and they danced to the tune of Elvis Presley’s hit – Jailhouse Rock.
Then, when the teams came out for the warm-up session, the stadium erupted.
The vociferous Kelantan fans gave their team, led by veteran goalkeeper Halim Napi, a rousing welcome.
Kelantan are seeking their first major silverware since winning the HMS Malaya Cup in 1921 while Negri, last won the coveted Cup in 1948.
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