One of Malaysia's prominent football clubs has withdrawn from Friday's season-opening Charity Shield following a series of violent assaults, including an acid attack, targeting players across the country. This decision casts a shadow over the start of Malaysia's football season, eliciting shock and anger nationwide.

Selangor FC announced their withdrawal from the anticipated match against Malaysian Super League champions Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) due to "a series of criminal incidents and recent threats", emphasizing the safety of their team as their top priority.

The spate of attacks includes a horrific acid attack on Selangor and Malaysia winger Faisal Halim, who sustained fourth-degree burns, and a robbery involving Malaysia teammate Akhyar Rashid. Furthermore, former Malaysia skipper Safiq Rahim narrowly escaped harm when he was threatened with a hammer, with his car windscreen being smashed.

In response to these incidents, Selangor FC decided not to participate in the Friday night match, citing concerns for the safety of their team. Stuart Ramalingam, CEO of the Malaysian Football League, confirmed the likelihood of the game's cancellation, while asserting that the other scheduled Super League fixtures would proceed as planned.

Football Association of Malaysia president Hamidin Mohamad Amin urged high-profile footballers to take safety precautions, including hiring bodyguards. However, the motives behind the attacks remain unclear, marking unprecedented events in the history of Malaysian football.

Faisal Halim is currently in critical condition in the hospital, requiring multiple surgeries, while Safiq Rahim narrowly avoided harm. The attacks have shocked the football community, prompting appeals for an end to violence against players and calls for continued support from fans.

While investigations are ongoing, authorities have arrested suspects in connection with the attacks and are committed to apprehending all perpetrators involved. The incidents have sparked outrage and condemnation, emphasizing the need for heightened security measures and the protection of athletes in Malaysia.