PSSI mulls punishing league's organizer
JAKARTA (JP): The disciplinary commission of the Soccer Association of Indonesia (PSSI) is unsure whether it will impose sanctions against the organizing committee of the Indonesian league's semifinals and final for failing to avoid an invasion of the field by spectators.
Supporters of Pupuk Kaltim (PKT) rushed onto the field to celebrate their team's victory over Persikota Tangerang on Thursday, which earned them a place in Sunday's final. The crowd had gathered along the sidelines of the Senayan Stadium field after the two teams ended the regular and extra time in a goalless draw.
The crowd's unruly behavior caused anxiety, particularly when firecrackers were set off, but no measures were taken to push the crowd back into the stands.
A number of people have demanded PSSI take punitive action against the organizing committee, headed by PSSI treasurer Irawadi, for the incident.
Disciplinary commission chairman Andi Darussalam Tabusala said the current ruling concerning the organization of matches stipulates only clubs can be sanctioned, not PSSI officials.
"We are still evaluating the current rules. Thursday's incident is related to PSSI. There are still many weaknesses in the rules and we have to make corrections to ensure that such things won't happen next season," he said on Friday.
In the earlier semifinal match on Thursday, PSM Makassar beat Persija Jakarta 1-0, setting up a final clash with PKT, which defeated Persikota 4-3 on penalties.
Darussalam blamed supporters from Persikota and Persija for failing to exercise restraint. "We regret the supporters' behavior. They do not realize that they came to the stadium to support their teams, but they engaged in dangerous behavior there."
"We are looking for any chance to penalize Persija and Persikota according to the rules," he added.
He also said security personnel at the stadium were far outnumbered by the supporters. "We initially asked for 1,500 personnel to secure the match. But the number of security officers did not reach 1,500 because there were street rallies outside Senayan at that hour."
The secretary of the organizing committee, Max Boboy, confirmed there were fewer security personnel than requested at the stadium.
He also admitted organizers failed to carry out their duties properly on Thursday, but dismissed the possibility of sanctions. "OK, we made mistakes. But tell me, who can punish us?"
In other matters, PSSI spokesman Eddi Elison said President Abdurrahman Wahid would present the championship trophy to the winning team at 7 p.m. on Monday at the State Palace.
"This is the first time an Indonesian president has presented the trophy to the champion. We originally invited Gus Dur to present the trophy after the final match on Sunday, but he will be in East Java that day. Yet he insists on presenting the trophy himself," Eddi said, referring to the President by his nickname. (ivy)