Indonesia protest after Cup Winners' Cup loss
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)