PSSI mulls punishing league's organizer

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)