PSSI flags racism cases and reiterates away-supporter ban
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Arya Sinulingga, a member of the PSSI Executive Committee, highlighted the rising use of racist banter in Indonesian football and reminded that the ban on away supporters remains in force.
Arya said football fundamentally upholds fair play and rejects all forms of racism, and he laments if such practices appear among Indonesian supporters.
“This is something that makes us quite sad. In fact, around the world football’s fair play is strong. Football is fair play. And anti-racism has become a movement in football. So why do we so easily write or say things that are racist,” Arya said in Jakarta on Friday.
“We hope there will be a new awareness among colleagues to not make expressions like that; it is very unhealthy for our football. So do not be too quick to write without thinking. It’s very easy to write without thinking; this is what I hope PSSI Pers friends can help us with to raise that awareness,” he added.
Racism issues again taint Indonesian football, particularly the Super League, in recent times. Some players have been subjected to racist abuse, on the field and online.
“I think a club like Persebaya is an example; for us, their positive response is very good. So we respect Persebaya for taking that step. Thus, this movement becomes a movement elsewhere to reject racism,” Arya said.
Additionally, Arya also touched on unrest incidents involving supporters in some recent matches in the BRI Super League. He reminded supporters not to forget the lessons from past tragedies in national football.
“These fans have forgotten the (Kanjuruhan) tragedy and others. So they seem to forget; that makes us sad as well. Actually we already said away attendance is not allowed, but it is still violated. Yesterday there was also an away match, a good one between supporters; then I was asked, ‘Is this good? Come on, open up away attendance’”, Arya said.
“Because toward the end of the league it is a bit risky, both from Liga 1 and Liga 2 due to promotion issues. Liga 1 is very tight at the top, and the bottom is close as well. The idea is that those at the top want to win, those at the bottom do not want relegation. So, there must be special attention,” Arya said.
He stressed that the ban on away supporters could still be applied next season if security conditions do not improve.
“For next season? If this continues, don’t blame the federation when it is implemented. Because we cannot maintain discipline or show that we can do it, it’s embarrassing. At every match, seats are thrown, torn up, what is that,” Arya said.