AFF to investigate anti-Malaysia chanting in Indonesia

The ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) confirmed they will be investigating reports of provocative chanting during an AFF U-16 Championship match between Malaysia and Thailand.

Spectators could be heard chanting "Malaysia itu anjing" ("Malaysia are dogs") during the national team's 2-1 defeat to the Thais on Monday at the Gelora Joko Samudro Stadium, which saw the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) submit an official letter of protest.

In a statement released on Wednesday, the regional football body said they took a very serious view of the incident.

"The AFF is in the process of gathering all evidence pertaining to the issue before deciding on an appropriate course of action to be taken under the guidance of the Asian Football Confederation," read the statement.

"Prior to the commencement of the AFF U-16 Championship, the AFF has taken every precautionary security measure, through our close relationship with the FA of Indonesia (PSSI), to avoid a repeat of the ugly incidents that took place during the AFF U-19 Championship.

"The safety and security of players and officials remains a paramount consideration in the organisation of every AFF tournament and we will take every necessary step to prevent further cases of spectator misconduct.

"In light of the intense rivalry between Indonesia and Malaysia, the AFF hopes that all team representatives will refrain from making provocative statements on social media which will aggravate the situation further."