HARRASSMENT has no place in our sports culture, and while it’s natural and commendable to feel patriotic during a sporting event, this spirit must be channelled constructively.

After all, negative mindsets can be damaging as some fans have resorted to online harassment, sending abusive messages to athletes or their families, while others spread hostile rhetoric or create divisive social media content, further inflaming the situation.

The recent incident during the keirin final of the 2024 Paris Olympics, where Japan’s Shinji Nakano had collided with Malaysian cyclist Muhammad Shah Firdaus Sahrom, illustrates this point.

Recall that the 28-year-old national track cyclist was sprinting towards the finish line when he was hit by Nakano, causing Jack Carlin of Great Britain to lose control and fall in the final round at Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines National Velodrome.

Although match results initially showed him finishing the race in fourth place, it was changed to relegated on the Games’ official website, resulting in a sixth-place finish.

In the keirin final at the Velodrome Saint Quentin en Yveline, Shah Firdaus was in a strong position to at least win bronze before the collision with Nakano caused him to fall.

This had led to Nakano being attacked by Malaysian keyboard warriors on his social media account.

Commenting on this matter, MCA Youth information chief Neow Choo Seong said the incident highlights the need for empathy rather than scorn.

“High emotions and national pride should uplift and support, not demean or belittle. We must present ourselves as a mature sporting community, not a schoolyard. Respectful behaviour should be the norm, regardless of the results of any game,” he remarked.

“Even though it is unfortunate that Shah finished in 6th place, it’s important to recognise that the Japanese competitor didn’t complete the event due to the incident as well. This highlights the need for empathy rather than scorn.”

Neow further said rather than attacking others, fans should be rallying around Shah Firdaus and show that Malaysians are a nation of respect and solidarity.

“We must lift each other up rather than tear each other down, prioritising support over criticism,” he added.

“The herd mentality in sports fandoms is counterproductive. Excessive anger and misplaced frustration harm both others and ourselves.

“By embracing the integrity and respect demonstrated by our athletes, we better reflect the unity we aim to showcase on the global stage.”

Speaking to reporters at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) after arriving from Paris on Tuesday (Aug 13), Shah Firdaus also said the actions of ‘netizens’ who attacked Nakano’s social media account could affect his good relationship with his friend.

He said the act was also considered shameful, not to mention when Nakano sent him a message informing him that he did not expect to be criticised because he thought Malaysians were friendly.

Muhammad Shah further expressed hope that the public will stop the criticism because he has already met with Nakano over the matter.

“Nakano said his site has tens of thousands of comments, I hope netizens will stop doing that because it really affects us too. In keirin body contact is normal, Nakano and I are fine. Nakano said he has good memories of Malaysia.” - Aug 14, 2024 

https://focusmalaysia.my/cyberbullying-in-sports-respectful-behaviour-should-be-the-norm-regardless-of-the-results-of-the-game/