KUCHING: The Crocs are bracing themselves for a negative reception when they meet Perak in Ipoh on Friday night.
Many players and fans have vivid memories of the traumatic August night last year when the two sides played in Ipoh.
Sarawak head coach Robert Alberts recalled that Malaysia Cup group stage match during which Perak team officials and fans gave the visitors a very unpleasant experience.
"Fans threw firecrackers at the Sarawak players and one of the team officials showed obscene finger signs and shouted profanities at us. We more or less expect the same this Friday (tomorrow) when we play against them," he said.
Alberts lamented the hostile match atmosphere which led Sarawak to lose focus and eventually lost 1-2.
A revenge of sorts followed a month later when the Crocs turned the tables to thrash the Gaurs 6-1 in the return leg at the Stadium Negeri.
This year, Sarawak got the upper hand over their bitter rivals in February with a 1-0 victory at home.
Alberts have called on his team to prepare for the worst.
This is especially so as Perak escaped unpunished for last year's misconduct.
"I have not heard any action against Perak regarding that incident last year. We were treated badly during our last visit there," he said.
The Perak team, he cautioned, can be expected to play a very physical and aggressive type of game. The Crocs have got to be prepared for that.
Astro Arena (Channel 801) is scheduled to air the match in Perak Stadium live. Kick off is 8.45pm.
Source : http://www.theborneopost.com/2014/05/22/crocs-brace-themselves-for-battle-of-ipoh-ii/
