Japanese Referee Leads Persija Against PSS, Thomas Doll Says His Performance Can Be An Example Of Liga 1

Persija Jakarta coach Thomas Doll 9nd from the right) press conference after his team played a match against PSS Sleman at Patriot Candrabhaga Stadium, Bekasi, last night. (Ulfa-VOI)

JAKARTA - Persija Jakarta coach Thomas Doll appreciated the performance of the Japanese referee who led his team's match against PSS Sleman. According to Thomas Doll, Futoshi Nakamura's performance is very good and can be an example for referees in the country.

Persija Jakarta host PSS Sleman at Patriot Candrabhaga Stadium, Bekasi on Saturday, December 16 evening WIB. In that match Persija Jakarta closed the match with a 1-0 victory with Ondrej Kudela's penalty in extra time.

After the match, Thomas Doll appreciated the referee's leadership because of his performance in leading a firm and fair match.

"I spoke to the referee after the game. Not because he gave a penalty, but I think his performance is very good," said Thomas Doll during a press conference after the match.

For Nakamura, this is not the first time he has led the 2023/2024 Liga 1 match, previously he also oversees the match between Persib Bandung vs Persik Kediri last week. Thomas Doll, who also watched the match and considered the referee so professional.

From his experience watching Nakamura's leadership, Thomas Doll then asked the Indonesian referee to learn how the Japanese referee led the game.

"He (the Japanese referee) can always control the game. You also know that when a player tries to commit a violation that is not a violation, he can see the situation from both sides," said the German coach.

"Of course, everyone can learn from them. Without intending to discredit local referees, but that is the reason why international referees from Japan are present in Indonesia, and also how their communication and gestures on the ground make the players respect. This is a good thing, "continued Doll.