Flames supporters hit back at FAM
By Antony Isaiah Jr…..
…..”We have right to demonstrate”…..
Flames supporters have hit back at the Football Association of Malawi (FAM) for accusing them of being unpatriotic as they threw their support behind Egypt in Malawi’s African Cup Of Nations qualifiers’ match.
During the recent home match against Egypt,Angry Flames Supporters were captured carrying banners demonstrating against the Association’s President.
The fans went further to pelt stones and objects at Flames players to show their anger following a humiliating 4-0 defeat which dented Flames’ chances of qualifying for AFCON 2024.
In reaction to the ugly scenes that marred the Egypt match, the Football Association of Malawi has released a statement saying that it is concerned with the behaviour of the supporters arguing that it undressed the players’ respect that they carry when representing the national team.
“FAM wishes to express its deepest concern to some developments in relation to the match between Malawi and Egypt national football teams played at the Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe on Tuesday, 28 March 2023. FAM believes these developments have the potential to jeorpadize the efforts the nation is taking towards achieving enduring football success,” reads the press release in part.
The Association continued to say that it was concerned at the lack of respect which some sections of the Malawian football fans shown to The Flames’ players.
“Some fans have been pouring degrading and hurtful comments on the players face to face, on social media and through other avenues. In the latest case after the Egypt game in Lilongwe, players suffered an avalanche of verbal insults from people along the route as the team travelled from Lilongwe to Blantyre.
“As indicated, FAM shares the pain these recent results have caused, but it does not believe that this is a true reflection of the capabilities of the team. It should be remembered that alongside several other positive results on the way, this is the same team that brought pride to the nation at the Africa Cup of Nations tournament in Cameroon just a year ago.
“FAM believes that Malawi has, thus far, nurtured a team of talented players who are capable of bringing desired results at any level – given the right technical and moral assistance,” adds the media release.
FAM therefore urged all Malawians to show respect to the players and give the team the support it requires to build on the achievements it has registered thus far.
But one of the Flames’ supporters, Stone Mwamadi said every Malawian has the right to demonstrate.
“I have the right to demonstrate against something which I feel is wrong. This is freedom of expression. It is our birthright. We have seen people demonstrate by displaying placards at matches and they are not banned by Fifa or CAF. Moreover, we didn’t insult anyone. It was a peace demonstration. There was no violence at all,” he told the Nation Sport.
