Some Indonesian fans emulated the absolute filthiest side of European soccer by racially abusing a black player who helped defeat their team, spurring widespread condemnation against racism in the ostensibly beautiful game.
PSM Makassar striker Patrich Wanggai gave his team the go-ahead goal in their 2-0 victory over Persija Jakarta yesterday evening. Not long after the game, several fans, who are said to have allegiances to Persija, commented on the Papuan native’s recent Instagram post with racist slurs. One fan notably left a comment consisting only of gorilla emojis.
KICK RACISM OUT!
Baru saja kita memberitakan tentang kampanye rasisme, sangat disayangkan malam ini terjadi di sosial media Indonesia. Kemenangan PSM Makassar atas Persija menyisakan komentar-komentar bernada kasar dan rasis di akun IG Patrich Wanggai. #IMC pic.twitter.com/7cZ9B3Nxtx
— MedioClubID (@medioclubID) March 22, 2021
Many flooded the comments section of Patrich’s post to defend the player and condemn racism, with some saying that the racist commenters were just salty that their team lost.
Patrich’s opponent from last night’s game, Persija midfielder Marc Klok, set their rivalry aside to call for action against racism in soccer.
It’s disgusting with what happened to Patrich Wanggai on social media. I’m against racism. It doesn't matter if you are PSM or Persija player… Whoever it is, it should never be part of this game. Something needs to change and it needs to change NOW! https://t.co/mB5fo3ggHo
— Marc Klok (@marcklok10) March 22, 2021
Racism in Indonesian soccer is not exactly as prevalent as in Europe, for instance, but the sport’s federation needs to act swiftly to kick racism out in order to prevent it from becoming a more widespread problem in the game.
On that, PSM Makassar says it has filed a complaint with the Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) regarding the abuse. PSSI has yet to issue a statement.
The police, who recently launched a Virtual Police division to stamp out online hate speech, have yet to issue a statement.
Coconuts has reached out to Patrich for comment.
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