PSSI Values Ivar Jenner Is Not Eligible To Receive A Red Card At The Indonesia U-23 Vs Qatar U-23 Match

PSSI plans to file an official protest to the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) regarding the referee's leadership in the Indonesia U-23 vs Qatar U-23 match.

The inaugural match of Group A of the 2024 U-23 Asian Cup at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium on Monday, April 15, 2024, was filled with controversy over the decision of referee Nasrullo Kabirov from Tajikistan.

In addition to the penalty prize to the hosts, controversy arose when Nasrullo gave Ivar Jenner a second yellow card. As a result, the decision made the U-23 Indonesian national team play with 10 people from the 46th minute.

"We, PSSI, will fly a letter of protest. Because there were some earlier, Ivar's red card, it shouldn't have been a red card. We protested," said Erick, Chairman of PSSI, in Doha, on Tuesday, April 16, 2024.

According to Erick, as a federation, PSSI has the authority to submit official protests. Moreover, there were several moments in the match that harmed the U-23 Indonesian national team.

"We as a federation will protest regarding the performance of the referee. You can see all Indonesian people, netizens on social media, all the same because they know this is not a fair game. However, we still have two games. We fight on the pitch," said Erick.

Apart from that, the chairman of PSSI further advised the players not to be influenced by the referee's leadership in the opening match of Group A of the 2024 U-23 Asian Cup.

There are still two games left in the group round for the players to go all out.

"Don't let this first game damage your focus. We haven't finished yet, there are still two games. We have to fight. That's us. Earlier you played nine games, fought. Elevens must be able to fight more."

"There are still two games. In principle this is not the end, we still have two games. We have to fight back," said Erick.