Jakarta, CNN Indonesia —
Duel Indonesia vs Thailand in the AFF Cup final has a controversial story ahead of the final first leg AFF Cup 2021 (2020) at the National Stadium, Wednesday (29/12).
Prior to this year’s AFF Cup, Indonesia vs Thailand met in the 2016 AFF Cup final. In two legs of the 2016 AFF Cup final, Indonesia gave up 3-5 and failed to win.
In the final of the AFF Cup five years ago, there was a controversy that angered the Thai camp because of the behavior of Indonesian left-back Muhammad Abduh Lestaluhu.
The incident started with a throw-in for the Garuda Squad in the last minute. When Abduh was about to throw in, the Thai reserve players bought time by holding the ball that the Persis Solo player would take.
Feeling played by the Thai side, Abduh turned to the referee and protested the attitude of the opposing players.
The Indonesian national team met Thailand again in the AFF Cup final. (AP/Suhaimi Abdullah)- – |
Soon the ball was given by Thai officials. But Abduh’s attitude was different. Abduh, who was playing for PS TNI, kicked the ball hard into the Thai squad’s bench.
Abduh’s behavior made the War Elephant bench furious and tried to approach the Indonesian defender. But Abduh did not flinch and did not run after ‘attacking’ the Thailand squad.
However, Abduh’s attitude led to a red card from referee Mohd Abdullah Hassan Mohammed in the 90th minute.
To CNN Indonesia, Abduh admitted that he felt being played by Thai players so emotionally and kicked the ball to the opponent’s fort.
I really regret doing that incident. Maybe [karena] I am also in a state of fatigue, we are also chasing goals, so it was made like that I am very sorry,” said Abduh.
(sry/ptr)
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