Persib Bandung, a prominent football club from Indonesia’s top league, is facing severe repercussions after its supporters caused significant unrest, including a pitch invasion, following the team’s elimination from the AFC Champions League Two (ACL 2). The chaotic scenes erupted after Persib was defeated by Thailand’s Ratchaburi with a 3-1 aggregate score across two legs in the tournament’s Round of 16.
The second leg of the Round of 16, held on February 18 at the Gelora Bandung Lautan Api Stadium in West Java, saw home side Persib secure a 1-0 victory against Ratchaburi. Despite this win, it was insufficient for the Indonesian club to advance to the quarter-finals. Ratchaburi had established a strong advantage in the first leg played in Thailand, triumphing with a decisive 3-0 scoreline, which ultimately sealed the aggregate victory.
The situation within the stadium rapidly escalated into widespread chaos. Supporters, identified as ‘Bobotoh,’ began pelting fireworks and numerous water bottles onto the pitch from their seats. The unrest intensified further as some fans attempted to breach security and gain access to the locker rooms. Amidst the escalating tension, match officials and Ratchaburi players were forced to seek immediate refuge for their safety. Stadium staff, aided by team officers, made efforts to contain the agitated crowd and restore order. However, their attempts were met with further resistance, as a barrage of water bottles continued to be hurled towards the entrance of the away team’s dressing room.
The protests from Persib’s devoted fanbase, known as Bobotoh, were primarily directed at the referee. Fans expressed strong dissatisfaction, believing that the game had been poorly officiated and that certain decisions made by the Saudi arbitration team were unjust towards their club.
Such extreme actions by the Bobotoh supporters have placed Persib Bandung in a precarious position, as the club now faces the prospect of severe disciplinary sanctions from the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), the continent’s governing body for football.
Meanwhile, the roster for the ACL 2 quarter-finals is taking shape. Confirmed participants include Al-Nassr, Al Wasl, Al Ahli, Al Hussein, Tampines Rovers, and Ratchaburi. The final two spots were to be determined following the remaining second-leg matches scheduled for February 19.
