PSIS barred from hosting matches

JAKARTA (JP): Semarang-based PSIS is banned from hosting two matches at the Jatidiri stadium in the sixth Indonesian Soccer League (Ligina) following the riots which occurred during the league's opening on Sunday.

The Soccer Association of Indonesia (PSSI) official in charge of discipline, Andi Darussalam Tabusala, told reporters on Monday that both matches would be removed to Cirebon, West Java. PSIS is scheduled to host Persipura Jayapura on Jan. 16 and Persma Manado on Jan. 20.

"The steering committee will lose some of its revenue because the two matches are being moved to other cities. It's a disciplinary act," he said.

The league's defending champions lost 0-2 to visitors Barito Putra. Disappointed fans entered the field and turned violent after referee Jajat Sudrajat overruled a goal from PSIS' Jonnah Ballah in the 85th minute. Jajat stopped the match before the end of the match and awarded the victory to Barito Putra.

Andi also said the match between PSIS and Persebaya Surabaya on Thursday had to be canceled because the steering committee was not prepared. He said the match would be staged after Jan. 20. (ivy)