Home minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said recent social media posts containing personal attacks on certain national players should not be taken lightly as they could result in excessive hatred.

“There have been instances where social media pages on Facebook mock and belittle the actions of these players. Even their celebrations after scoring goals are scrutinised to incite hatred,” he said at a press conference at the Defence Services Asia and National Security Asia 2024 exhibitions here.

Saifuddin called for such actions to be stopped as recent incidents involving national football players like Akhyar Rashid and Faisal Halim were not conducive for the development of the country’s football.

He also said the safety of football players in the country was guaranteed as the police were capable of protecting them.

“The overall security is guaranteed; they (football players) should focus on their careers as the new season approaches.”

Police have arrested two men to assist in investigations after Faisal was splashed with acid at a shopping centre in Kota Damansara on Sunday.