JAKARTA - Indonesia U-23 returned with their heads held high despite losing 0-1 against Guinea U-23 in the last ticket fight playoffs to the 2024 Paris Olympics, 9 May 2024, in France.
However, the heroic action of Garuda Muda players in winning tickets to the Paris Olympics was not accompanied by sportsmanship support from Indonesian supporters.
After losing to Guinea U-23 on the final path to the 2024 Paris Olympics, Indonesian netizens attacked various social media accounts of Guinean football.
In fact, the social media accounts of the Guinea Football Federation (FGF), Sylinational, were flooded with racist attacks.
To the extent, Guinea's football news account, Joueurs Guineens, had to upload the 'Stop Racism' campaign.
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"Facing a large flood of racist insults and monkey emoji from Indonesian fans, JGN (Joueurs Guineens) was forced to turn off comments on the Instagram page."
"Rasism takes more space in football, which should be a sport that unites us. We will not stop fighting it!" write the account on Instagram.
Responding to the hectic acts of racism against Guinea, PSSI opened its voice. Through PSSI Executive Committee member Arya Sinulingga, the federation asked Indonesian supporters to accept the defeat.
"The players came home with their heads held high and relieved to accept defeat. So, we hope the fans do the same."
"Don't tarnish Indonesia U-23's struggle with racist words to the opposing players," said Arya.
Furthermore, Arya emphasized that Garuda Squad supporters must provide positive support, especially for the Indonesian national team.
Victory and defeat are natural in a football match. Therefore, it is better for Indonesian fans to give encouragement to the team's players.
"This dream of young people is still long. Please don't be hurt by racist acts that are very detrimental and embarrassing. We will focus on supporting the Indonesian national team in the future," said Arya.
Indonesia U-23 failed to attend the 2024 Paris Olympics after losing the playoff fight between the Confederations against Guinea U-23.
Previously, three automatic pass tickets also failed to be held by Shin Tae-yong's team after ending the 2024 U-23 Asian Cup as fourth place.
Meanwhile, Guinea U-23 made history for its country. They returned to the Olympics after 1968.
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