He also revealed that he was not alone in receiving the threats.
“Some of the Penang players have also received such threats via Facebook, including threats to inflict bodily harm on them,” Zairil said, adding that several reports have already been lodged with the police.
The threats are believed to be due to the Panthers’ abysmal performance in the MSL, with the team having lost all six matches since the MSL kicked off on Jan 20, earning the ire of supporters.
Recently, a coalition of 30 Panthers supporters clubs sent a memorandum demanding Zairil and the Panthers’ coach, Ashley Westwood, be removed.
Zairil was voted in as Penang FA president this year, taking over from Nazir Ariff Mushir Ariff. Zairil had previously been Penang team manager.
Zairil said the threats have demoralised the players and are likely to have caused a drop in their performance.
He said the fans had a right to criticise the Penang FA and the team over their performance but insulting and threatening the management, coach and players was unwarranted.
“The FA and the players are under tremendous pressure from the fans.
“Last year, the team went through a similar bad patch losing six matches in a streak of nine matches without a win. How come we did not receive memorandums and objections similarly then?
“Why is it when I took over as FA president, there is so much problem?” he said in a press conference in Komtar today, suggesting there was an ulterior motive in the action by the supporters clubs.
However, the Panthers’ six straight defeats since the start of the season could be the worst performance on record by Penang in the MSL or any other local league in the past.
Two weeks ago, Panthers were trampled 1-6 by Pahang’s Elephants in their biggest defeat in the MSL so far. Then on Saturday, Penang lost again, this time to Kedah FA 1-3.
The first four of the six consecutive losses also saw the Panthers suffer a goal drought.
The MSL season began Jan 20 and will conclude on Oct 21.
The Penang Panthers are currently bottom of the league. They risk being relegated to the second tier Malaysia Premier League.
Penang will play Melaka United at the City Stadium, here, tomorrow.