On behalf of the Indonesian government and people of Indonesia, I would like to apologize over the inappropriate behavior of our supporters during the match last nightJakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesian Youth and Sports Minister Imam Nahrawhi tendered an apology to his Malaysian counterpart, Syed Saddiq, as they met here, Friday, following a violent act committed by Indonesian supporters during the World Cup's qualification match, Thursday evening.
"On behalf of the Indonesian government and people of Indonesia, I would like to apologize over the inappropriate behavior of our supporters during the match last night," Nahrawi stated during a press conference following a meeting with Saddiq.
Not only a verbal apology, Nahrawi also delivered an official apology letter to the Malaysian government before the two national teams competed in a home-away match on November.
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Nahrawi stated that the Indonesian government and its soccer association (PSSI) will impose a sanction on violent supporters, who hurled bottles and smoke bombs at Malaysian supporters during the second round of the match.
Owing to the incident, the 2020 FIFA World Cup's qualification match between Indonesia and Malaysia was halted for 10 minutes.
Speaking in connection with the apology, Malaysia's Sports Minister Saddiq lauded Nahrawi's efforts in easing the tension. "Pak Imam (Indonesian sports minister) had made assurance that the police will crack down on the violent supporters," Saddiq stated.
He also said that Indonesia and Malaysia must maintain harmonious relations in spite of the tense incident.
Malaysia triumphed over Indonesia during the first home-away match of the 2020 FIFA World Cup Qualification at Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium, Jakarta, Thursday.
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Translator: Shofi Ayudiana/Genta Tenri Maw
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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