Courtesy: The Star On Line


Indonesian futsal fans snub Negaraku, FA fined

JAKARTA: The Indonesian Football Association was fined US$5,000 (RM17,006) after fans showed disrespect when the national anthem Negaraku was played during the Malaysia versus Vietnam futsal match here on Monday.

The action was taken by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) after Malaysian team manager Datuk Hamidin Mohd Amin lodged an official complaint after the AFC Cup Futsal match, claiming that the action of the fans had tarnished the image of the country.

Although Indonesia qualified for the Asian Futsal Cup Finals in Uzbekistan come May, after beating Malaysia 5-3 in the semi-finals on Wednesday, it remained a hollow victory due to the action of their fans.

During the incident on Monday at the Senayan Indoor Tennis Stadium, the Indonesian fans started singing their own national anthem (Indonesia Raya) when Negaraku was being played.

The fans also refused to rise from their seats when Negaraku was being played and to add insult to injury, they hurled abuses at the Malaysian players while the match was in progress.

Meanwhile, Indonesian Youth and Sports Minister Andi Malarangeng, offered his apology to the Malaysian contingent.

Malaysia failed to qualify for the finals after going down 3-6 to Vietnam in the play off for third and fourth placing Thursday.


Posted by Luca Ranocchiari --> luca.ranocchiari@futsalplanet.com