Malaysia football: Mystery attacks on players overshadow season start

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Getty Images Faisal Halim (file picture)Getty Images

Faisal Halim remains in intensive care after an acid attack

Malaysia’s football season is opening amid serious concerns over player safety following a series of attacks.

Three members of the national team have suffered assaults this month, prompting the cancellation of the season-opening charity match on Friday.

One of the victims, winger Faisal Halim, was left in a critical condition after an acid attack in a shopping mall last weekend.

Police have yet to establish a motive, or whether the incidents are linked.

Malaysia’s football association has urged high-profile players to take precautions, including hiring bodyguards.

Faisal Halim suffered serious burns after being splashed with acid while shopping near the capital, Kuala Lumpur, on 5 May.

The 25-year-old star winger has since undergone skin graft surgery. Football officials say he is responding but remains in intensive care.

Police are analysing the fingerprints of a suspect arrested at the mall, local media report.

Getty Images Akhyar RashidGetty Images

Akhyar Rashid was targeted by robbers near his home

In another incident midfielder Safiq Harim, 36, was left unharmed after he was confronted by hammer-wielding men who smashed in his car windscreen.

A third player, Akhyar Rashid, 26, was attacked by robbers outside his home.

The season-opening Charity Shield game was cancelled on Friday, after Faisal’s club, Selangor FC, withdrew