Persib Backs Mikael Tata and Kakang Rudianto After Racist Abuse

Racism is back and continues to occur in Indonesian football. This time, two young future national team players Kakang Rudianto (Persib Bandung) and Mikael Tata (Persebaya Surabaya) experienced racist abuse after their sides drew 2-2 in the Persebaya vs Persib match at Gelora Bung Tomo Stadium on Monday, 2 March 2026. The serious incident affecting Kakang and Mikael Tata is believed to be the fallout from tensions after the Week 24 match of the 2025-2026 Super League. At that time, friction occurred in the technical area involving Persebaya coach Bernardo Tavares and Kakang Rudianto. Seemingly upset, Kakang instinctively bumped Tavares with his body; Mikael Tata could not accept his coach being treated like that, leading to a verbal clash and a pushing exchange. Referee Eko Saputra calmed the situation, with Tavares receiving a yellow card for impeding play. The incident subsequently sparked online abuse directed at the two players, who are part of Indonesia’s U22 national team squad. Persib also offered moral support to the two players. “We want to emphasise that Persib stands with Kakang Rudianto and also provides moral support to Mikael Alfredo Tata,” the club stated on Thursday, 5 March 2026. “They are part of Indonesia’s developing young football generation and deserve a healthy, safe, and respectful environment to continue growing,” it added.