KUALA LUMPUR – Twelve men have been arrested to assist in investigations into a fight that broke out at a restaurant in Taman Daya, Johor Bahru, where patrons had gathered to watch the Fifa World Cup final early today.
Johor police chief Datuk Ab Rahaman Arsad said the suspects, aged between 15 and 38, were arrested during a special operation in Taman Setia Indah, Johor Bahru, between 10am and 11am.
Police received a report on the incident at 5.40am and also detected a video of the fight that had gone viral after being uploaded by a Facebook user identified as “Lion Wong” in the “Kita Orang Pahang” Facebook group.
Ab Rahaman said the operation was carried out by officers from the D7 Branch of the Criminal Investigation Division at the Johor Bahru South District Police Headquarters.
“Background checks found that three of the 12 suspects have previous criminal records. Police will apply to the Johor Bahru Magistrate’s Court tomorrow to remand all the suspects under Section 117 of the Criminal Procedure Code to facilitate further investigations,” he said in a statement today.
He said the motive behind the fight has yet to be determined and urged the public not to speculate or spread unverified information that could interfere with the investigation.
The case is being investigated under Section 148 of the Penal Code for rioting while armed with a weapon, an offence punishable by up to five years’ imprisonment, a fine, or both, upon conviction.
Earlier, a video of the altercation circulated widely on social media, showing chairs being thrown and a fight breaking out shortly after the conclusion of the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, in which Spain defeated Argentina 1-0.
The incident sparked widespread criticism online, with many social media users expressing disappointment over the violent behaviour displayed by some supporters. – July 20, 2026