Losing

Losing

From Jayakarta

As if awakened from a slumber, Indonesian soccer is stirring back to life. It seems that the appearance of the Liga Dunhill, combining the potential of Association and Galatama soccer, has been able to animate the national soccer scene. The new ruling which allows foreign players to play in Indonesia (three for each club) has brought new life to Indonesian soccer.

I am a soccer fanatic and I am sure that there are many Indonesians who love soccer even more than I do. Soccer, after all, is not only exciting to watch, it is also the sport of the masses.

It is a pity that the poor behavior of some supporters gives the game a bad image. Hooliganism, acts of brutality and the destruction of property are truly despicable.

In my estimation, it is disappointment which induces such actions. Two things cause disappointment in particular: bad referees and the defeat of the favored team.

The Indonesian Soccer Association should pay attention to the quality of their referees. Perhaps Dunhill, as the sponsor of Liga Indonesia, could send them abroad to gain experience.

To solve the second problem, I appeal to all Indonesian soccer fans to be more mature and considerate. To accept defeat is not easy, but it is admirable.

Remember that soccer is a game in which one team must lose.

A. HUDAYA

Jakarta