Beckham Putra, the attacking midfielder for Persib Bandung, faces a 3-match suspension and a 75 million IDR fine (approximately $5,000 USD) for his celebration during the Indonesia League match against Persija Jakarta. This decision by the PSSI disciplinary committee has sparked controversy and disrupted Persib Bandung’s plans.
Controversial Celebration
Beckham Putra celebrated Persib Bandung’s 2-2 equalizer with a gesture deemed provocative by the PSSI. Despite no on-field warnings from the referee, the disciplinary committee issued a harsh penalty after reviewing slow-motion footage.
Player and Club Reaction
Beckham Putra, Persib Bandung, and many Indonesian fans were surprised and baffled by the decision. Many argue that the celebration was perfectly normal and not deserving of a penalty. Persib Bandung immediately appealed the decision to the PSSI, arguing the penalty was excessive.
Impact on Upcoming Match
Significantly, the penalty was announced just a day before Persib Bandung’s match against Madura United in the 24th round of the league. This forced the team to adjust their preparation, impacting their tactics and game plan.
Captain Marc Klok’s Response
Captain Marc Klok criticized the PSSI’s decision, calling it “absurd.” He cited Cole Palmer’s similar celebration at Chelsea as an example, highlighting the inconsistency of the penalty against Beckham Putra.
Conclusion
This incident underscores the need for fairness and transparency in enforcing professional football regulations. It is hoped that, after thorough review, the PSSI will make more appropriate and equitable decisions, avoiding undue impact on players and clubs. This controversy also raises questions about the standard used to assess celebratory actions, preventing overly strict interpretations.
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