• A minority of fans were caught on camera jeering Maya Yoshida after Saudi’s 1-0 win in Thursday’s World Cup qualifier, which led to the captain storming off in anger 

Saleh Fareed

Saudi Arabian football fans, official and former players have condemned the behaviour of a minority of local fans who taunted Japan captain Maya Yoshida after his team’s 1-0 loss in the World Cup qualifier in Jeddah.

A fan had captured the incident on his phone and posted on social media which led to Saudi supporters launching a campaign on Twitter under the hashtag “The Saudi fans apologize to Japan.”

The incident happened as Yoshida prepared to give a post-match interview, but the jeers from the stand incensed him to the point where he remonstrated with crowd before storming of the pitch.

Almost immediately, Saudi fans on social media sent their messages of support for the Japanese captain and people.  

Hatim Khayami, former president of Al-Wehda Football Club in Makkah, sports analyst and former Saudi national team player, condemned the behaviour of the small group of fans as “inappropriate and disappointing”.

“This is not our behaviour as Saudis, we love all people and nations,” he told Arab News. “I would like to express our apology and extend our love and appreciation to the Japanese people and I would like to convey this message to them that what occurred on Thursday night with the Japanese captain after the match from four or five teenagers does not represent Saudis. I am sure by this morning, these boys are regretting what they did.”

The actions of the fans soured what had been a glorious night for the Saudi team, who now have a maximum of nine points from three matches in Group B of the Asian Qualifiers for the next World Cup. Herve Renard’s team now faces China on Tuesday and another win would represent a massive step towards Qatar 2020.

This morning, Ibrahim Al-Qassem, Secretary-General of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF), through the “Space” feature on Twitter, expressed his disappointment at what had happened.

“I have apologized to the General Secretary of the Japanese Football Association and those segments of fans do not represent the Saudi community,” he posted.

Meanwhile, during his daily appearance on his famous show Koora, Saudi presenter Turki Al-Ajma criticized the behaviour of fans in question, and said that while the supporters should do all they can to help their team during the match, they must show respect after it. 

Meanwhile, Mohammed Abdul Jawad, former captain of the Saudi national team said: “Sadly, a small minority of people behaved inappropriately and, in a manner, not reflective of our support. Some of the scenes were unacceptable and have distorted our celebration.”