Indonesian Football Referee Attacked by Supporters After Match Decision

A local football match in Purbalingga, Indonesia, descended into chaos when supporters attacked the referee following a disputed call. The incident, which took place during the Danlanud Cup 2026 tournament on Thursday, saw fans of Andalas FC storm the field and assault referee Ridho Bekti Utomo. The match was between Andalas FC of Banjarnegara and Gama Adipasir at the Garuda Manunggal Lanud Jenderal Besar Soedirman field.

According to Uut Triyas Yanuar, an official from the Purbalingga Football Association (Askab PSSI Purbalingga), the confrontation began around the 17th minute of the game. Although the referee's decision on a foul in the penalty area was initially accepted by the players, the manager and officials of Andalas FC lodged a strong protest.

As the protest escalated, several Andalas FC supporters entered the field from various directions. While the referee attempted to resume the match, he was pursued and attacked by the fans. Utomo suffered injuries and was subsequently transported by ambulance to RSU Emmanuel Klampok for medical attention. The assistant referee, Rio Wahyu, also sustained an injury from a thrown plastic bottle to the head.