The departures of Steven Gerrard and Raheem Sterling have contributed to low attendance at the Bukit Jalil Stadium in Kuala Lumpur.
Last week, the Reds drew 1-1 with a Malaysia XI, with around 50,000 fans in attendance; this is much lower compared to the 80,000 that filled the stadium for a similar fixture in 2011.
Speaking to The Guardian, marketing executive of the Kuala Lumpur-based Steam Empire Holdings Andrew Doh, who were working as co-promoters along with Pro Events, said:
“After Steven Gerrard’s departure, the attendance certainly dropped as most fans wanted to see him and Sterling as well.
“Based on the feedback we received, last season’s performance also contributed. If they can get some big names in, some players who are more prominent, they will become more popular again.”
On the other hand, Malaysian Liverpool fans are blaming the organisers and the timing of the game being played.
Syafiq Acan a member of the fan’s club ‘All Reds Malaysia’ said:
“Liverpool fans are annoyed with the organisers who did not organise the event properly. The fans could not even meet the players.
“Malaysia is mostly populated by Muslims and that day was part of the national holiday of Eid Mubarak. Friday is also a day of work and people do not finish until five.”
The arrival of Liverpool also resulted in the Malaysia Super League games being postponed which the Football Association of Malaysia were criticised for.
