ViP: Sarawak loyal supporters not so special after all?

The hype of Sarawak football is definitely felt in Sarawak with the drums and the shouts of ‘Ngap Sayot’ evident almost everywhere.

Nonetheless, one can’t help but feel quite short-changed when it comes to the management of the fans by the football club, namely the Football Association of Sarawak (FAS).

While many are not happy of the facilities provided at Stadium Negeri, there is a huge amount of acknowledgement among fans that FAS does not own the stadium, and that nothing much could be done to improve the conditions unless Perbadanan Stadium Negeri is willing to fork out the sum needed.

The one thing that keeps fans happy nowadays is the form of the team, and the low prices of tickets.

Admittedly, many fans didn’t welcome the recent hike in ticket prices, but many were able to swallow the fact that there was indeed a need to review the ‘ancient’ ticket prices.

Nonetheless, we do feel that the latest revelation in regards to tickets is something to be concerned about.

As Robert Alberts once said, there are two types of fans; namely the supporters, and the fans. The Dutchman said that fans follow the flow, while supporters stay with the team irregardless of the results.

Sarawak itself has quite a huge bunch of supporters which include us at Sarawak Crocs. Like many others, we were disappointed last season when poor ticket handling caused us to be left out from the massive Pahang-Sarawak game.

This sparked us to rally together with our loyal supporter comrades, as we echoed the need for FAS to come up with better ticketing distribution and sales, which includes season tickets.

We bet FAS heard us loud and clear because it was not too long after that, FAS announced the availability of season tickets and online ticketing. It was indeed a day for all of us to rejoice because we knew we didn’t have to fight for tickets like last season.

But now, it seems the party is over because FAS is charging extra for our loyalty.

When the season ticket prices were announced, we kept silent because we knew sacrifices had to be made for the team. This was despite the fact that UltraCrocs had already highlighted the ‘more expensive pricing’ for season ticket holders.

Being positive, we kept faith that FAS was preparing small, tiny perks for us loyal supporters, which is something practiced by both Kelantan FA and JDT.

But then, when the real deal was revealed today, and we somewhat feel betrayed.

Not only did FAS fail to include ‘special packages’ in the season tickets they are selling, they also increased the price by putting in service charges and online transaction fees! To rub salt on the wound, there is a disclaimer saying that ‘the online passes would only be available in a months time’, with the season starting in two weeks!

UPDATE AT 8PM 6/1/2014: The people behind the ticketing system called us, and explained that the ‘season card’ would take a month plus to be ready.  Ticket holders however can immediately obtain match tickets, including the FA clash between Sarawak and Penang, and MSL game between Sarawak and Kelantan.

This means that we would still need to fork out money to watch the FA Cup match between Sarawak and Penang, and probably also the Super League clash between Sarawak and Kelantan.

At this point, it really feels that being loyal to Sarawak means nothing because let’s face it, our loyalty is not rewarded at all.

The ticket pricing, and the manner FAS is treating us loyal supporters is pathetic. Instead of growing their loyal fan base by offering more to their loyal supporters, FAS has shot itself on its foot by doing otherwise.

As supporters, we hate to tell FAS on how they should manage such an illustrious club, but then again, we do think that FAS could learn a thing or two from Kelantan and JDT whom have done well to secure a massive fan base by rewarding their loyal supporters.

Written by the editor of SarawakCrocs.com