KUALA LUMPUR: The whole of Indonesia is up in arms over a referee's decision that led to their national team being denied a win in a 2-2 draw against Bahrain in a World Cup Group C qualifier.
The match, held at the Bahrain National Stadium, was allowed to continue for an additional six minutes in the second half by Omani referee Abu Bakar Al Kaf who did not blow the final whistle, the Jakarta Globe reported.
It was only after Bahrain's left wing Mohamed Marhoon's second goal of the night, following a corner kick in the 99th minute that brought the score to 2-2, that the match was brought to an end. This incited protests from Indonesian players and officials.
Indonesia had earlier led 2-1, with left wing Ragnar Oratmangoen's opener in the 43rd minute and forward Rafael Struick added the second in the 74th.
"We are deeply disappointed with the referee's handling of the game. He allowed the match to continue until Bahrain scored," an executive from the Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) Arya Sinulingga told local sports news outlet Bolasport.com.
"We will certainly file a formal complaint," he added.
Indonesia coach Shin Tae Yong was also reportedly upset with the referee's decision.
"Both teams played well until the final whistle, but I have to bring up the embarrassing decision made by the referee.
"If AFC (The Asian Football Confederation) wants to progress, refereeing decisions like this need to be improved," said the South Korean coach.
"The referee's decision was biased and I think everybody knows why our players got angry," the 54-year-old coach added.
The match also drew widespread outrage on social media from Indonesian football fans, including some celebrities.
"90 + 6 = 99?!?!" posted Indonesian actor Atta Halilintar, with over 40 million followers on Instagram, referring to the extended minutes.
Some disgruntled Indonesian fans have even rallied fellow netizens to lodge a complaint to Fifa.
"Let's all lodge a complaint to Fifa about this referee, click on this link," said another X user @octobrdad, attaching a URL link to the official Fifa compliance site.