Indonesia protest after Cup Winners' Cup loss

JAKARTA (JP): The All-Indonesia Football Association protested to the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) yesterday for alleged bad treatment received by Mastrans Bandung Raya during its 0-4 rout by South China in their Asian Cup Winners' Cup in Hong Kong.

The association's secretary, Nugraha Besoes, told a press conference yesterday that the Bandung side had received an unpleasant welcome upon arrival in Hong Kong early on Sunday.

"The host should have provided 21 rooms, but they only gave eight," said Nugraha, quoting team manager Tri Gustoro.

Nugraha said the Bandung team was not allowed to inspect the stadium either, because "it was locked".

Nugraha also quoted AFC secretary-general Peter Velappan as saying the Bandung team "was treated improperly by the host".

"Their treatment was totally different to our warm welcome during their visit two weeks ago," Nugraha said.

To make matters worse, a fatigued Mastrans, coming off the overnight Indonesian League's Final 12 Round, opted for a walk- out when its nine-man squad trailed 0-4.

South China moved to the third round, with a 5-1 aggregate win following its 1-1 away draw.

Indonesia had earlier asked the AFC to delay the match for 24 hours, but the confederation allowed only several hours of tolerance.

AFP reported that extra police reinforcements were called in to protect the Indonesians when they left the pitch for around 45 minutes after claiming they were pelted by missiles from a section of the crowd, estimated at 8,000.

Nugraha quoted Tri as saying that only 10 police officers were on duty during the match. Tri, who had to escape to the dressing room with his players, called association chairman Azwar Anas at home, asking whether the team should continue the championships or just pull out.

Azwar, who is also coordinating minister for people's welfare, urged the team to keep on playing.

The incidents were reportedly sparked 17 minutes into the second half when Bandung defender Olinga Atangana was sent off for a professional foul on South China's Dale Tempest, with his team trailing 3-0.

Indonesia's Peri Sandria was also sent off because he questioned the referee's decision for not giving his side a penalty after he was tackled in the box. (yan)