In a significant development in the world of international football, Bahrain’s national team has announced its decision to forgo a World Cup qualifying fixture in Indonesia. This move comes amid serious safety concerns following a controversial match that led to death threats against Bahraini players.
Bahrain’s Stand on Player Safety
Bahrain’s decision to cancel the upcoming match in Jakarta underscores the country’s commitment to the safety and well-being of its athletes. The Bahrain Football Association (BFA) cited persistent online death threats as the primary reason for this withdrawal.
The BFA expressed deep concern over the threats received by team members on social media platforms. “We are compelled to prioritize the safety of our players above all else,” the BFA stated in an official announcement. The association further emphasized that such hostile actions are unacceptable and do not align with the values and norms they uphold.
Controversial Match Sparks Violence
The tension escalated after a 2-2 draw between Bahrain and Indonesia, where Bahrain scored a last-minute equalizer. This goal, scored in the 99th minute, led to immediate outbursts from Indonesian players and staff, culminating in the ejection of one official.
Key Events Leading to the Controversy:
- Final Minute Goal: Bahrain’s equalizer in the 99th minute extended the match unexpectedly.
- Player Reactions: Indonesian players protested vehemently, resulting in a red card for one official.
- Referee Decisions: Indonesia’s football association accused referee Ahmed Al Kaf of intentionally prolonging the match to favor Bahrain.
The Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) has lodged an official complaint with FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) regarding the officiating of the match. Despite these efforts, the safety concerns remain unresolved, prompting Bahrain to request a venue change for the return fixture.
Impact of Online Abuse on Bahrain’s Decision
Following the match, Bahraini players faced a surge of online abuse from Indonesian fans. The threats were not only directed at the players but also involved attempts to hack the BFA’s social media accounts.
Types of Online Abuse Reported:
- Death Threats: Direct threats to the lives of Bahraini team members.
- Fake Accounts: Creation of fake social media profiles impersonating officials.
- Hacking Attempts: Repeated attacks on the BFA’s website and social media platforms.
The BFA has taken measures to mitigate these threats, including disabling comments on social media posts and addressing hacking attempts. Despite these efforts, the ongoing safety risks have made it untenable for Bahrain to participate in the match in Indonesia.
Historical Context of Bahrain-Indonesia Encounters
Bahrain and Indonesia have a history of contentious football encounters. Notably, in 2012, Bahrain’s 10-0 victory over Indonesia in a World Cup qualifier raised suspicions of match-fixing, although both nations were ultimately cleared of any wrongdoing.
This historical tension adds another layer of complexity to the current situation, highlighting the fragile nature of international football relations and the profound impact of on-field actions on off-field relationships.
