Although Aware Of The Beating Of The Referee Against Aceh, The Governor Gives Full Support To The Central Sulawesi Football Team

Central Sulawesi Governor Rusdy Mastura accompanied by the Chairman of the Central Sulawesi PON Contingent Brigadier General Dody Triwinarto visited the Central Sulawesi football team in Banda Aceh, Tuesday (10/9/2024). (ANTARA/HO-Satgas Central Sulawesi PON Contingent)

Central Sulawesi (Sulteng) Governor Rusdy Mastura gave full support to the Central Sulawesi men's soccer team after resigning (walkover) in the last eight match against Aceh in the 2024 Aceh XXI PON.

"Unfortunately angry and out of control, they are young people. As parents, I must regret (the formation of the referee). But I am also proud of them, that they are risking their pride," said Rusdy Mastura in Palu, Antara, Sunday, September 15.

He admitted that he regretted the actions of the Central Sulawesi football player who hit referee Eko Agus Sugiarto. However, the Governor expressed his support for the Central Sulawesi players who have fought for this province, and managed to advance to the last eight for the first time.

He emphasized that he would take firm steps and report the referee's leadership in the Aceh vs Central Sulawesi match to PSSI for evaluation and investigation.

"The referee's unfair decisions are very damaging to the team's mentality even though this PON event is for training young athletes," he said.

Mastura said that it was an irony for the national football ecosystem, which was trying to get up and excited again with an unprofessional referee in leading the game.

Meanwhile, the Head of the Central Sulawesi Contingent Task Force (Satgas) Brigadier General Dody Triwinarto also gave his full support to the Central Sulawesi football team.

"I am still proud of the struggle team of Central Sulawesi. They are true tadulako fighters who have fought their best, and we must continue to provide the highest support," he said.

He hopes that this incident will be an important lesson for all parties, especially to the referee in order to maintain integrity and professionalism as the main justice in the green field.

The Central Sulawesi Men's soccer team decided to WO from the last eight match of Aceh vs Central Sulawesi, which took place at the Dhimurthala Aceh Stadium on Saturday (14/9) due to a number of referee decisions that were considered controversial, with the final result in the second half drawing 1-1.

In this match, the Central Sulawesi soccer team received three red cards which left only eight Central Sulawesi players and two pins.