The Bahrain Football Association (BFA) has condemned death threats received from Indonesian fans following a controversial match in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, where Bahrain equalized 2-2 after extra stoppage time was added by referee Ahmed Al Kaf.
In response to the threats, which included insults, hacking attempts, and slander on their social media platforms, the BFA expressed concern for players safety ahead of the return leg scheduled for March 25, 2025, in Indonesia.
They are seeking to relocate the match to a neutral venue to prioritize the team’s safety.
In response to the unrest, the Football Association of Indonesia (PSSI) sought to reassure the BFA and the wider football community.
PSSI President Erick Thohir indicated plans to communicate with the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) to ensure a safe environment for the next match.
While Indonesian fans are known for their passion, there have been numerous incidents of violence in the past, including riots and assaults during matches.
Notable was the tragic stampede at the Kanjuruhan Stadium in October 2022, which resulted in 131 deaths.
Article updated 1 month ago. Content is written and modified by multiple authors.
