Bahrain's Waleed Al Hayam competes with Indonesia's Ragnar Oratmangoen during the Group C third round match of the World Cup Asian Qualifiers at the Bahrain National Stadium in Riffa on October 10, 2024. — Reuters file
Bahrain's football association announced plans to request the relocation of a World Cup qualifying match scheduled for March, citing safety concerns after the national team reportedly received death threats from Indonesian fans. "The association will submit a request to move the match from Indonesia to ensure the safety of the team," it stated in a message posted on X on Wednesday. "The association is unwilling to jeopardize the lives of team members, particularly given the unacceptable and inappropriate behavior of Indonesian fans." This decision follows a 2-2 draw in an October 10 match in Bahrain, where Bahrain scored an equalizer in the ninth minute of injury time. Indonesian officials and supporters subsequently criticized the extended injury time.
In its statement, Bahrain's football association detailed the online harassment its players have faced, including "a flood of insults, slander, threats, and hacking operations." It also expressed shock at the "multiple death threats received by team members on their personal social media accounts, reflecting the Indonesian public's disregard for human lives." In response, Arya Mahendra Sinulingga, an executive committee member of the Indonesia football association, assured reporters on Wednesday evening that there was no need for concern about player safety. "We will ensure the safety and comfort for our guests, like Bahrain, as the Indonesian nation is known for its hospitality," he said, emphasizing that the match should remain in Jakarta. "Regarding social media, sometimes Indonesian netizens can be vocal, but in reality, they are friendly and kind in their daily lives. Indonesia is a friendly nation. Our country is renowned for its hospitality."
