The match between Indonesia and Bahrain on the evening of October 10 (Vietnam time) ended in a dramatic 2-2 draw. Indonesia was the one to take the lead 2-1 and it was not until the final minutes of stoppage time that Bahrain equalized 2-2.
However, after Bahrain's equalizer, the players and coaching staff of the Indonesian team reacted strongly. The Indonesian team believed that referee Ahmed Al Kaf had favored the home team, prolonging the extra time in the second half, creating the premise for Bahrain to equalize. When the final whistle blew, the two sides exchanged words. Indonesian defender Shayne Pattynama was also involved in a serious fight with the players and coaching staff of the Bahrain team. Meanwhile, team leader Sumardji and coach Shin Tae-yong also received red cards from the main referee.
The match between Indonesia and Bahrain ended with a brawl.
"We have sent a letter of complaint to FIFA and AFC. The Indonesian team is very disappointed with the referee's decision. He intentionally gave Bahrain more time to equalize," said Arya Sinulingga, a senior member of the Indonesian Football Association (PSSI).
In the press conference afterwards, coach Shin Tae-yong also criticized the referee: “If anyone watched this match, they can understand why the Indonesian players were so angry. The match was only allowed 6 minutes of injury time, but for some reason, the referee extended the match to 9 minutes. The referee was clearly biased towards Bahrain. Every time we tackled a Bahraini player, he blew the whistle."
Coach Shin Tae-yong thinks the referee was biased.
In response to PSSI’s complaints, AFC Secretary General Datuk Seri Windsor John announced that a full investigation would be launched into the match between Indonesia and Bahrain. However, Datuk Seri Windsor John also asked PSSI to provide more evidence to prove that referee Ahmed Al Kaf was biased towards Bahrain.
“Of course a serious investigation will be launched, as requested by the Indonesian team. But we need PSSI to clarify what they are complaining about , be it penalty performance, time management or other specific issues of the referee. We have heard various reports, but there are no specific complaints. PSSI needs to come up with something more clear. There was VAR in the match and they must have had discussions with the refereeing team. We still trust the refereeing team in the match,” Datuk Seri Windsor John told The New Straits Times.
AFC to conduct full investigation into Indonesia-Bahrain match
Not only the referee, AFC said that the management of Bahrain National Stadium - where the match between Bahrain and Indonesia took place, along with the players of both teams will receive additional penalties for allowing the fight to occur. If AFC determines the incident is serious, both Indonesia and Bahrain will be deducted points in the third qualifying round of the 2026 World Cup.
CNN Indonesia commented: “After the match, Indonesian and Bahraini players were angry and clashed violently. Defender Shayne Pattynama waved his hand to insult the referee. Fortunately, stadium security staff eventually entered the field to control the situation and isolate the players who had just fought and clashed. For the ugly behavior, Indonesia and Bahrain are expected to be punished by the AFC.”
Indonesia and Bahrain teams will receive additional penalties from AFC
In contrast to the anger of the Indonesian team's coaching staff, midfielder Jay Idzes appeared calm and called on his teammates to forget about the match against Bahrain and prepare for the important match against China (October 14).
"Honestly, there is no point in complaining about what happened in the past. The only thing we can do is learn and move forward. We will hold our heads high and never give up. A victory against China will be our sweeter answer," the Indonesian captain said.
Although the match ended 4 days ago, on the morning of October 14, the Bahrain Football Association (BFA) complained about Indonesian fans continuously "attacking" their posts. Previously, on October 11, the BFA had to close comments because there were too many accounts insulting Bahraini players.
"We request that all precautions be taken. The Bahrain Football Association's websites, social media accounts and systems are under attack," the BFA said in a statement.
Source: https://thanhnien.vn/lam-cang-doi-afc-dieu-tra-trong-tai-doi-tuyen-indonesia-sap-nhan-an-phat-nguoc-185241014142035224.htm
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