On Thursday, June 13, a Malaysian football player who suffered severe injuries after being doused with acid last month expressed his hope that his attackers will be apprehended and prosecuted as soon as possible.
A clearly traumatized and upset Faisal Halim announced at a news conference, in his first public appearance since the May 5 attack, that he will prioritize his healing before attempting a comeback to football.
“I don’t know if I can return to football or not, I just hope people can pray for my return to the soccer arena,” he stated. “I want to continue living my life normally like other people, like other players.” “I hope the perpetrators can be caught as soon as possible and charged in court,” he stated.
Attacked at a mall, Faisal, a winger for the Malaysian national team and state team Selangor FC, had fourth-degree burns to his face, arms, and body, which affected his speech and mobility. The 26-year-old underwent many surgeries to treat the burns on his skin while he was in the hospital for three weeks.
“My hope is to return to the pitch in the next one to two months, even though the doctor says it could take up to six months,” Faisal, who was crying, added. He further stated: “I am willing to return to training when doctors give me the green light.”
Police have refuted claims that the event and other attacks on Malaysian football players that month were connected. Faisal, also known by his nickname Mickey, admitted that the incident had traumatized him and his family but declined to comment on why it occurred.
“I would rather lose thousands of dollars and stop playing football if I can be safe, if my family can be safe. The support and prayers from the public have given me the strength to continue,” he said.
Without providing an explanation, Faisal stated that he and his family were “being kept in a secret hideout right now,” adding that he hoped to “be free and no longer need to hide” soon. Some football teams increased security in response to attacks on Faisal and other players. Following the attack, two people were taken into custody, however they were later released without facing any charges. It’s unknown what motivated the attack.
