Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin has publicly apologised to Vietnamese fans who were attacked by some Malaysian supporters during a football match at the Shah Alam stadium last night.

"As these violent supporters are not going to apologise nor has the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) responded (perhaps tomorrow), I apologise to Vietnamese fans who were attacked at Shah Alam stadium last night.

"These violent fans do not represent Malaysia. My sincere apologies on behalf of Malaysia for the actions of these small number of irresponsible thugs," Khairy said in a Facebook posting today.

He said he was still waiting a report from the police and the FAM on the incident.

However, Khairy said he personally witnessed Malaysian fans attack the Vietnamese supporters and the information he had received thus far corroborated this.

"There is no excuse for the violent action, more so to our country's guests. Is this how we treat guests? Regardless of whether they are here as tourists or migrant workers, this is not Malaysian culture.

"Those who are responsible (for the violence) did not give a thought what will happen to our fans when they go to Hanoi, Vietnam, for the second match.

"Will not this action be seen as a provocation and put Malaysian supporters in Hanoi at risk later?" Khairy asked.

'Attack more disappointing than the defeat'

Malaysia was yesterday defeated 2-1 by Vietnam in the first leg semi-final of the AFF Suzuki Cup.

Khairy said yesterday's incident was more disappointing than Malaysia's defeat but expressed hope that the second leg match in Hanoi will be "competitive in the field and friendly in the stand".

He also urged cops to probe the Shah Alam incident.

Meanwhile, PKR Youth slammed Malaysia's football supporters for spoiling the country's name with the violence that took place after the Tigers lost to Vietnam yesterday.

PKR Youth chief Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad said the violent incidents have "shamed Malaysia's football fans and the name of our country".

"The incidents of fights at the stadium among the spectators... should never have happened in the first place.

"More so since we are the hosts to visiting teams from abroad," Nik Nazmi said.