First Day Of Liga 1 2022/2023 Colored By 3 Referee Controversy, PSSI Will Carry Out An Investigation

The inaugural match of Liga 1 2022/2023 is between Persija Jakarta and Bali United. (Photo: Instagram @liga1match)

JAKARTA - The first day of the 2022/2023 Liga 1 title was marred by refereeing controversy in three different matches. PSSI General Chair Mochamad Iriawan asked the Disciplinary Committee (Komdis) to immediately investigate this matter thoroughly.

There are four matches to be played on the first day of Liga 1 2022/2023, Saturday, 23 July. Three of the matches have received the spotlight because they are considered controversial.

The first controversial moment that occurred was a penalty in the match PSIS Semarang against Rans Nusantara FC. At that time the referee awarded a penalty kick to PSIS even though Oktafianus Fernando was considered diving.

The next controversy occurred in the Madura United vs Barito Putera match which was marked by a striking 8-0 score. Indeed, winning with a big score in football is commonplace but PSSI wants striking things like this to be studied properly.

The last violation that was no less controversial was the handball without a penalty in the Bali United versus Persija match. Bali United defender I Made Andhika Wijaya was clearly seen doing handball in the penalty box, but the referee said no.

These incidents made Iriawan ask all parties to pay attention. For him, the integrity of the competition must be maintained by making appropriate and measurable decisions.

"Yesterday, during the referee's refresher, I gave directions to the referees to be honest, fair, right, and not take sides with any team," said Iriawan at a press conference in Bali.

"Indeed, there was a complaint from Rans Nusantara regarding the penalty given to PSIS. We will then carry out an investigation. We cannot talk further now," said Iriawan adding.

Irregularities and controversies like this then became the main focus for Iriawan. According to him, everything that happens in the competition and feels inappropriate, must be studied carefully so that action and evaluation can be carried out.

"If there is a human error (from the referee) we will impose sanctions, either in the form of not leading in a few more matches, or later (Chairman of the PSSI Komdis) Pak (Ahmad) Riyadh who will investigate," said Iriawan.