Buriram United chairman Newin Chidchob has delivered a powerful message of unity and mutual respect following his club’s impressive 3-1 away victory over Johor Darul Ta’zim in the first leg of the Shopee Cup 2025/26 semi-final.
In a heartfelt statement addressed to Johor Regent and JDT owner Tunku Ismail Idris, Newin expressed deep gratitude for the hospitality shown by the Malaysian giants and their supporters during the high-profile encounter at Sultan Ibrahim Stadium.
“Rivals and partners,” Newin began.
“Thank you very much to Tunku Ismail ibni Sultan Ibrahim. Thank you to the Johor fans who came to the stadium and helped create such a magnificent and memorable atmosphere for us.”
Despite the fierce rivalry between two of Southeast Asia’s biggest clubs, Newin stressed that Buriram United and JDT share a larger mission — elevating ASEAN football onto the Asian elite stage.
“We, Buriram United and Johor FC, must continue working together to bring ASEAN club football forward and compete against the best clubs in Asia in the AFC Champions League Elite with pride,” he said.
“We must work together to ensure that clubs across Asia respect ASEAN football clubs and no longer overlook them.”
The Buriram chairman also highlighted the importance of attracting world-class talent to Southeast Asian leagues in order to raise the standard of football throughout the region.
“We must make talented footballers from around the world interested in coming to play in ASEAN leagues more and more,” he added.
“That is how we will elevate ASEAN football and give fans even more entertaining matches to enjoy.”
Newin also extended an official invitation to JDT, their supporters, and Tunku Ismail ahead of the second leg at Chang Arena on May 13.
“As chairman of Buriram United and as a proud Buriram citizen, I warmly welcome the Prince, JDT, and all Johor supporters to attend the second leg at Buriram Stadium,” he said.
“We sincerely hope everyone will have a memorable experience from the moment they arrive in Buriram until the day they return home.”
The statement concluded with a vision that goes beyond results on the pitch, with Newin hoping the growing rivalry between Buriram United and JDT can become a driving force for the future of Southeast Asian football.
“I truly hope JDT and Buriram United will continue to be rivals that bring happiness to football fans, while also becoming partners in developing ASEAN football so that clubs from this region gain greater respect, attention, and recognition around the world.”
While the semi-final battle remains fiercely competitive, Newin’s message reflected a broader ambition shared by both clubs — proving that ASEAN football can stand proudly among Asia’s elite.
Credit Photo : BRUTD
