Malaysian National Team Launches New Jersey, Indonesian Netizens' Julid Action: Yellow Like Referee and Shaolin Soccer!

The Malaysian national football team recently unveiled their new home jersey, a bold yellow design that has sparked lively discussions online. While the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) proudly presented the new kit as a fresh and modern look for the Harimau Malaya squad, reactions from netizens—particularly from Indonesia—have been mixed, with some drawing amusing comparisons to referees and even characters from the iconic film "Shaolin Soccer."

Malaysia's new jersey, produced by a renowned sports brand, features a striking yellow color with black accents, representing the national team's traditional colors. The design was intended to embody the spirit of the team, symbolizing energy, determination, and the fearless nature of Harimau Malaya. However, as soon as images of the kit were shared on social media, they quickly became the subject of memes and humorous comments.

Among the most popular jokes circulating online were comparisons to football referees, who are often seen wearing bright yellow uniforms. "Now Malaysia’s players can double as referees on the pitch!" one Indonesian fan joked on Twitter. Another comment read, "Are they trying to intimidate their opponents by making them think there are extra referees on the field?"

The resemblance to "Shaolin Soccer"—a 2001 Hong Kong comedy film about a fictional football team with martial arts skills—was another common theme in the online discourse. In the movie, the protagonists don yellow uniforms similar to Malaysia’s latest kit. "Are they planning to do bicycle kicks like in Shaolin Soccer?" one netizen quipped. Some even shared side-by-side comparisons between the film’s characters and Malaysia’s players wearing the new jersey.

Despite the humorous reactions, the FAM remains optimistic about the jersey’s reception. In an official statement, they expressed confidence that fans would grow to appreciate the design, emphasizing that the kit represents Malaysia’s identity and footballing culture. "This is more than just a jersey; it reflects our pride, our history, and our passion for the game," a spokesperson said.

Some Malaysian fans defended the new kit, arguing that the backlash was unnecessary. "Every time a new jersey is launched, people always have something to say. What matters is how the team performs on the pitch," said one supporter. Others pointed out that Indonesia’s own jerseys have faced similar criticism in the past, proving that football kits often become the subject of debate among rival fans.

Interestingly, this is not the first time Malaysia’s football jerseys have sparked online discussion. In previous years, designs featuring tiger stripes or unique patterns have also divided opinions. However, as the team prepares for upcoming international matches, the focus will likely shift from fashion critiques to on-field performances.

The Harimau Malaya squad is set to wear their new jersey for the first time in their next friendly match. Whether the players feel empowered or self-conscious about the public reaction remains to be seen. One thing is certain—Malaysia’s new kit has already made an impact, for better or worse.