Condemn EPA U-20 Riot, I.League and PSSI Call for Sportsmanship

The uproar following the Elite Pro Academy (EPA) U-20 match between Dewa United U-20 and Bhayangkara FC U-20 at Citarum Stadium, Semarang, Sunday April 19, shocked Indonesian football. The initially competitive match turned controversial after the final whistle.

Dewa United U-20 emerged victorious with a 2-1 score. However, the Match Result was marred by a heated incident involving players from both teams after the game.

Several players engaged in pushing before the situation escalated into an open brawl. 

One spotlighted moment came from Bhayangkara FC U-20 player and former Indonesian U-17 National Team member Fadly Alberto Hengga, who was seen kicking Dewa United's Rakha Nurkholis.

After the incident, Fadly Alberto apologized via his personal Instagram account, acknowledging his actions as a grave mistake that harmed many parties.

"I specifically apologize to Rakha Nurkholis and Dewa United for my foolish act of kicking Rakha. To Bhayangkara Presisi Lampung FC, I apologize to the leadership, management, coaching staff, and teammates for harming the team," wrote Fadly.

Indonesian U-20 coach Nova Arianto lamented the incident. 

"Certainly, regardless of the situation or reason, this shouldn't be emulated by other players," he stated.

Nova hopes this serves as a crucial lesson for all young Indonesian players to control their attitude and emotions during matches.

"May this become a collective learning experience to prevent recurrence," he added.

EPA competition operator Super League 2025/2026 I.League also strongly condemned the incident. 

I.League Director Ferry Paulus stated such events undermine youth competitions' purpose as foundations for Indonesian Football's future.

"Regrettable this occurred in Elite Pro Academy, a crucial pillar for developing future Indonesian National Team Players," said Ferry Paulus.

He emphasized player-endangering actions are intolerable and demanded immediate severe sanctions.

"We fully support PSSI and the Disciplinary Committee imposing strict penalties as a lesson. Player safety is non-negotiable," Ferry asserted.

Ferry reminded all players, coaches, and officials to uphold Fair Play and control on-field emotions.

"We urge youth football participants to maintain Sportsmanship. Players must control emotions regardless of circumstances, as such actions damage their own futures," he stressed.

PSSI Secretary General Yunus Nusi confirmed violence won't be tolerated, noting PSSI's Chairman received formal incident reports.

"PSSI has received reports about the Dewa United-Bhayangkara FC EPA incident. The Chairman strongly condemns this. PSSI immediately refers cases like this to the Disciplinary Committee for maximum sanctions," Yunus stated.

PSSI also indicated potential evaluation of match officials deemed negligent in controlling the situation before the brawl erupted.

"PSSI deeply regrets this incident. All involved will face consequences. We observe possible match official negligence, which the Referee Committee will evaluate.