The Indonesian football league operator, PT Liga Indonesia Baru (LIB), is currently investigating allegations of online racist abuse directed towards three players from PSM Makassar following a recent match against Persija. LIB CEO Ferry Paulus has emphasized that sanctions will be imposed on anyone involved in the online racist attacks against the three players – Cape Verdean Yuran Fernandes, Lance Sayuri from Papua, and Erwin Gutawa from South Sulawesi.
“PSSI chairman Erick Thohir has issued a directive, and we have initiated an internal investigation to prevent such incidents. This online attack is severe, and there are legal consequences for this behavior,” Ferry emphasized, as cited by Tempo, in reference to the Electronic Information and Transactions (ITE) Law.
The three PSM players were targeted with racial slurs on social media after their team secured a 1-1 draw against Persija on July 3. Certain posts accused them of intentionally running out the clock to secure the draw against their opponents.
In response to the racist abuse, the Indonesian Association of Professional Soccer Players (APPI) urged the Soccer Association of Indonesia (PSSI) to suspend Liga 1. PSSI chairman Erick Thohir, however, declined to respond to the call to suspend the league but assured that measures will be implemented to address racist abuse.
It is imperative for the football community to unite against racism and discrimination, and it is essential for football players to receive support from the governing bodies of the sport. Let us continue to uphold the values of sportsmanship and fair play in football.
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