SURABAYA – The Indonesian U-17 National Team’s journey to the 2023 U-17 World Cup has stopped since last week. Even so, the bullying of players did not stop immediately. This was stated by U-17 Indonesian National Team Psychologist Afif Kurniawan. Afif also said that there were several players who were greatly affected by the bullying.
“Until four to five days after the match against Morocco, there was still bullying towards the players. And I want to convey that there are our players who are affected. “This is quite serious,” he said.
“We should work together. Media criticism has been very constructive. Coaches and administrators have accompanied and directed well. “However, on social media there are quite a few negative comments,” he added.
According to Afif, criticism is not prohibited. In fact, the ranks of coaches and players are open to criticism. However, this is not the case with negative comments. Moreover, his comments were in the form of insults and things that were beyond reason.
These comments have a serious impact on the players’ mental health. Moreover, the Indonesian U-17 National Team players are still teenagers. Their emotions are still unstable.
”We are very open to criticism. Moreover, criticism with clear grounds. But, don’t make negative comments. “And that’s what happens on social media,” said the lecturer at Airlangga University, Surabaya.
Afif said that when the Indonesian U-17 National Team was declared not to have qualified for the round of 16, Arkhan Kaka et al were sad. And Afif said this was very natural. Because, like most Indonesians, these players also hope to reach the round of 16.
