Johor crown prince hits out at critics of JDT football club

PETALING JAYA: The Johor Crown Prince has gone on a royal rant against 'haters' of football club Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT), claiming that Malaysian football managed to reach international recognition because of it.

In a statement on Monday, Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim had said that in addition to having two trophies this year alone, JDT was also recognised by FIFA and AFC.

He also lashed out at those who had rejoiced at JDT's 3-0 loss in the Group C Malaysia Cup match against Perak.

" I can also be boastful to those who deserve it, our club does not judge success by winning or losing matches but on the its progress such as titles won, the financial might and overall progress and achievements.

"While you are so happy that JDT lost 3-0 in the Malaysia Cup, don't you know that we already got 2 trophies in our bag this year. What do you have?," he wrote in the Johor Southern Tigers Facebook page.

He said that JDT would continue to buy success while 'others just talk'.

"Are you aware that JDT has the best facilities in the country? How do you feel about that?

" FIFA and AFC only recognises 1 team in Malaysia. Meanwhile you are praying that JDT loses the league, but we are already in AFC competitions next year by virtue of JDT winning the FA Cup.

"Today I am invited to Spain for the World Football Summit and my coaches are invited to China for the Coaches Workshop specifically for the top coaches in Asia. Have you received any invitations lately," he said.

Tunku Ismail also hit out at local football websites that were making baseless comments on social media.

"What kind of impact or difference do think you can achieve? It certainly does not stop JDT from progressing.

"If you have any intentions at all to fight with me or JDT, let me tell you now that you are fighting a losing battle and that you will not progress in life because you are wasting too much time surfing the internet," he said. He also pointed out that JDT was the most talked about football team on social media and television and stressed that he 'did not care' about his haters.