JAKARTA - Arema FC's 0-1 defeat in the East Java derby against Persebaya on Wednesday night had a long tail. The disappointment experienced by Arema supporters, even led to vandalism and destruction of the foundation owned by Persebaya coach, Aji Santoso.
A number of Aremania elements were seen scribbling and putting up banners on the walls with harsh words at the location of Aji Santoso's football academy in Malang (ASIFA). One of the writings even stated that Aji Santoso was a traitor to the city of Malang.
Not only that, the academy's operational car was also the target of the emotional outbursts of the elements in which there were also graffiti containing insults and criticisms of Aji Santoso.
Actions that are not commendable are some Aremania then invite the attention of club management. Arema understands the reaction of supporters who are disappointed with the results that do not meet expectations when dealing with Persebaya Surabaya and immediately reacted quickly.
"We understand that defeat in football inevitably triggers disappointment, but how that disappointment is poured and actualized into positive behavior, not negative, let alone destructive," said Arema FC media officer, Sudarmaji quoted from Arema FC's official website.
Furthermore, regarding the incident that happened to ASIFA, Sudarmaji then stated that it had been resolved in a gentlemanly manner by the management of Arema FC.
"The gentleman's step has been taken by the Interim Manager of Arema FC, Ali Rifky, who directly communicated with Coach Aji Santoso and Persebaya Manager Mas Chandra to apologize for the excessive reaction of unscrupulous fans," he said.
"Mas Ali also immediately acted quickly by repairing ASIFA's car," added Sudarmaji.
In the future, Sudarmaji hopes that the fans' overreaction will not be repeated. According to him, there are still many positive ways that can be used to convey a disappointed reaction.
“There are many positive ways to react to the spirit of a team that lost. Rivalry without harm and without harming others must always be campaigned for,” he stressed.
"The rivalry is only 90 minutes with the quality of tactics and strategy, losing and winning is a result that usually happens in football," he explained again.
Finally, even though Arema just lost in an important match, Sudarmaji and other management members of Singo Edan are quite sure that the team still has the spirit to maintain the conduciveness of the city of Malang.
In addition to serious efforts, Sudarmaji asked for sincere prayers and support from the supporters so that Arema will continue to be enthusiastic about chasing the title this season.
"We are optimistic that Aremania will always maintain the condition of the city, including keeping Arema FC alive and achieving,"
"Please Nawak Nawak, continue to pray and support Singo Edan so that we are all given ease and good luck and smooth success in winning," concluded Sudarmaji.
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