FANFARE FOR RED DEVILS IN KL; MATCH IN JAKARTA OFF

With news filtering in that bombing incidents took place at two Jakarta hotels – Ritz Carlton and JW Marriott – the English Premier League champions decided that the best course to take would be to cancel the proposed trip to the Indonesian capital.

“We are all shocked by the incidents as the organisers have worked hard to make this trip happen. It is a terrible disappointment,” said Sir Alex Ferguson, the United manager.

“I have been travelling to the Far East for 21 years and we were all looking forward to going to Indonesia for the first time ever so we are disappointed having to come to this decision.

“Perhaps, we have to look at another time to make the trip to Indonesia where we have a big fan base.”

The fans locally as well as those from around the region as far as the Middle East who had gathered in Kuala Lumpur were not disappointed as apart from seeing their idols in the flesh, they were also treated to autograph signing sessions with the players.

The Malaysian XI will take on Manchester United tomorrow night at the National Stadium with kick-off at 5.30pm (local time).

In the meantime, Agum Gumelar, the chairman of the Indonesian Local Organising Committee, could not help but expressed his disappointment with the cancellation.

“The bombing had a far reaching effect and while we sympathise with those who lost their loved ones, it also affected the rest of the Indonesian community adversely,” added Agum.

“We hope that the government will take appropriate actions over this incident. We also hope that the fans will remain patient where we will take responsibility to those who have already bought tickets.”