IN the end, the promises of the Football Association of Indonesia (PSSI) were as broken as the broken water bottles, stones and metal objects thrown at Malaysian fans at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium (GBK) on Thursday.
The PSSI and Indonesia police had said on the eve of the World Cup qualifier between the two nations that 11,000 security personnel would be deployed at the stadium and they assured that Malaysian fans’ safety would be taken care of.
The powers-that-be in Indonesia declared that things would be under control.
But as it turned out, things went out of control and the match had to be stopped for 10 minutes due to fans’ violence.
Malaysian fans at the stadium were pelted with stones, bags of urine, bottles and smoke bombs.
FA of Malaysia (FAM) Stuart Ramalingam was not amused by the Indonesian fans’ antics. He issued a statement yesterday, stressing FAM’s disappointment.
“Fairplay and professionalism were shown by both sets of players and officials on the pitch last night, but the game was marred by incidents off the pitch,” said Stuart.
“In spite of the police escort from the airport (Soekarno-Hatta International Airport) to the stadium and vice versa arranged for 300 traveling fans in six buses, the situation descended into chaos and we are bitterly disappointed that the local organising committee failed to uphold their end of the agreement.
“There is no place in football for hooliganism and gangsterism in any form and as such, we have decided to take action and are in the midst of compiling the evidence to report last night’s incidents to the International Football Federation (Fifa) and the Asian Football Confederation.”
Stuart also advised Malaysian fans to travel safely and urged them to avoid any form of confrontation with Indonesians that could cause harm to themselves.
“In light of that, we urge you to exercise restraint, patience and extend our warmest hospitality to the traveling fans to our country - be they Indonesian, United Arab Emiratis, Thai or Vietnamese fans - with the utmost respect for all upcoming matches at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium,” said Stuart.
Sports Minister Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman had set aside protocol to join Malaysian fans in the stands at the GBK on Thursday.
“A moment ago I was with the Harimau Malaya fans to watch the World Cup qualification at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium. Steel objects, bottle and flares were thrown in our direction several times.
“There were also a couple of Indonesians who broke Malaysia’s barricade which in turn saw the game come to a halt,” said Syed Saddiq in a statement.