ISKANDAR PUTERI, Aug 9 (Bernama) -- The grounds of the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium (SSI) turned into a 'sea of red and blue' from 3 pm today as waves of supporters wearing Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) and Chelsea FC jerseys began flocking to the prestigious venue ahead of the friendly between the two clubs.
Supporters of all ages, from veterans bringing their families to groups of youths, turned up in their respective team jerseys, taking the opportunity to pose for photographs against the backdrop of SSI's iconic architecture.
Official match merchandise stalls were among the main attractions, with long queues forming as supporters sought to get their hands on limited-edition items.
The excitement was also palpable with supporters from outside the area and neighbouring Singapore taking advantage of the weekend to watch the elite English club play in the country.
A BERNAMA check as at 7 pm found that traffic along the main routes leading to the stadium was slow but under control, with the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) maintaining tight security to ensure smooth traffic flow ahead of the 8 pm kick-off.
For Chelsea supporter Ahmad Danial Muhammad, 28, from Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur, the opportunity to watch his favourite club play in Malaysia was one he could not afford to miss.
"I have been a die-hard Chelsea fan since the Didier Drogba era. When I found out they were playing at SSI, I immediately got a ticket. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see Premier League stars without having to fly to London," he told BERNAMA when met at SSI here today.
The excitement was shared by Chelsea supporter Tan Wei Sheng, 34, from Singapore, who crossed the border as early as noon to avoid congestion at the border crossing.
"My family and I left Singapore at noon today to avoid congestion at the Johor Causeway. The facilities at SSI are truly world-class, and the atmosphere is incredible. The quality of football on display will certainly be thrilling," he said.
Meanwhile, die-hard JDT supporter Mohd Khairul Anuar Ismail, 41, from Bukit Piatu, Melaka, said he was proud that Chelsea had chosen the Southern Tigers' home stadium for the match.
"This is not only a great test for JDT players, but also proof that local clubs are increasingly respected at the international level," he said.
JDT supporter Safiyah Rosli, 32, from Batu Pahat, was also excited to see the English football giants playing in Malaysia.
"For me, the presence of a giant club like Chelsea in Malaysia proves the success of Malaysian football. It reflects the success and commitment of the Regent of Johor, Tunku Mahkota Ismail, in steering the future of our national football," she said.
-- BERNAMA