Persita held to 2-2 by Persib in Indonesia league
Persita held to 2-2 by Persib in Indonesia league
Multa Fidrus, The Jakarta Post, Tangerang
Persita, who has lost two key players through suspension, was held to a 2-2 draw on Tuesday by Persib Bandung in their Indonesian soccer league's match at Benteng stadium, Tangerang.
Persita has collected only two points after three matches. It also tied 2-2 with Persija in the season's opening match, which erupted in a brawl that ensued in a four-year suspension for Chilean Jorge Toledo and a four-month suspension for goalkeeper Ahmad Kurniawan.
The team stumbled last Wednesday to a 0-2 loss to Pelita Krakatau Steel, and Tuesday's match did not give any signs that Persita would recover from its loss.
The home team demonstrated an open game before 15,000-odd fans, launching a spate of attacks against its opponent, but it failed to make a goal until the end of the first half.
Ndolar Blaise, one of its four foreign players, put Persita ahead five minutes into the second half as fans erupted into cheers.
Persib, the 2004 champion, responded through Julio Lopez at the 24th minute, capitalizing on a cross from Andrian Colombo.
Three minutes later, Colombo made the best of a loose ball from Persita goalkeeper Wawan Darmawan to bring the visiting team to a 2-1 lead.
With only five minutes remaining, Persita equalized from the penalty box.
A defender was adjudged to have fouled with a hand-ball inside the box and referee Norman Alex accorded Persita a penalty kick, prompting a protest from Persib players.
Norman stood by the call and Sadissou Bako executed the shot successfully.
Meanwhile, Toledo decried injustice over his suspension by the Soccer Association of Indonesia (PSSI).
The 28-year-old Chilean was seen among the spectators.
"I've been told I can work (play) now," he told The Jakarta Post.
He said he had turned to the Latin American soccer association for help by asking an official of the world soccer governing body, FIFA, to come to Indonesia.
Toledo was suspended for assaulting a player at the end of the Persita-Persija opening match.
"It was in self-defense. If someone steals your belongings and you beat the thief, and you, not the thief, are punished for beating him, is this fair?" he said.
Toledo, who receives Rp 20 million monthly, is bound to Persita for one year under a Rp 100 million contract.
He said the PSSI was not impartial in meting out punishment, as local players were only given light disciplinary measures.
Samsidar, Aris Indarto and Ismet Sofyan of Persija and Ahmad Kurniawan of Persita have been suspended for four months each for their part in the brawl.
Persita manager Ismet Iskandar, who is also Tangerang administration head, said they had asked the PSSI to review the sanctions.