The aftermath of the AFC Champions League clash between Indonesia’s Persib Bandung and Thailand’s Ratchaburi FC on Wednesday, February 19, 2026, was marred by unrest, resulting in several journalists being caught in the ensuing chaos. While the match itself ended with a 1-0 victory for Persib Bandung – insufficient to overturn a three-goal deficit from the first leg – the focus has shifted to the safety of media personnel covering the event at the Gelora Bandung Lautan Api (GBLA) stadium. Reports indicate that a number of Thai journalists, specifically photographers, were targeted amidst the escalating tensions following the final whistle.
The second leg of the AFC Champions League Round of 16 saw Persib Bandung fall short of a dramatic comeback against Ratchaburi FC. Despite a spirited performance and a goal in the closing stages, the Indonesian side couldn’t overcome the 3-0 lead established by their Thai opponents in the first encounter. The frustration of the home fans boiled over, leading to disturbances both inside and outside the stadium. The incident raises serious questions about security protocols and the protection of journalists covering high-stakes sporting events in Indonesia. The AFC Champions League, a premier club competition in Asian football, demands a safe environment for all participants, including the media.
Rising Tensions and Attacks on Media Personnel
The discontent among Persib Bandung supporters was reportedly directed towards the Saudi Arabian referee, whom many believed made unfavorable decisions during the match. This dissatisfaction quickly escalated into a broader expression of anger, with fans reportedly attempting to breach security barriers and engaging in disruptive behavior. Amidst this turmoil, several journalists found themselves caught in the crossfire. Accounts from those present paint a picture of a rapidly deteriorating situation, with projectiles being thrown and threats made against media representatives.
One particularly harrowing account comes from a Thai journalist, identified as “Voy,” who shared his experience on the official Facebook page of the Thai League. Voy described a terrifying scene as he attempted to navigate the escalating chaos. “I broke through the firecrackers and entered the field. They threw all kinds of things: stones, bricks, glass and firecrackers from the stands,” he recounted. Voy’s testimony highlights the immediate danger faced by journalists attempting to report from the scene. The situation unfolded quickly, beginning during added time, with a compact group initially breaching security before being joined by a much larger crowd. Persib Bandung Battles Ratchaburi FC in a high-stakes AFC clash.
Voy was accompanied by a photographer for Ratchaburi FC, known as “P’Moo,” who quickly recognized the escalating danger and began securing their equipment. However, they soon found themselves directly in the path of the angry mob. P’Moo reportedly sustained a physical injury to the knee, while Voy narrowly avoided being struck by a kick from a supporter. The pair then attempted to reach the safety of the media room at GBLA, but found their path obstructed by the continuing flow of agitated fans.
A Perilous Escape from the Stadium
Voy described a particularly frightening moment as he approached the media room, noting that it was located near a staircase where fans were attempting to force their way through security. “At that moment, the Indonesian fans were trying to break down the door again. I froze,” he stated. He further recounted being targeted with knives and firecrackers, forcing him to run for safety while dodging projectiles. “I had to break through the firecrackers they were setting off to obtain into the media room. If not, they would have chased me from behind. At that moment, I was running for my life, avoiding kicks and firecrackers; I didn’t know what to do,” Voy explained.
Eventually, Voy and P’Moo were able to exit the stadium after encountering a group of Ratchaburi FC supporters in the mixed-zone area. They were then escorted to safety by the club’s security team. The incident underscores the vulnerability of journalists operating in potentially volatile environments. Videos circulating on social media appear to show further attacks on photographers, although it remains unconfirmed whether these incidents involve the same individuals who shared their account on the Thai League’s Facebook page. Ratchaburi hold off Persib to advance after the match.
Security Concerns and the Role of Authorities
The incident raises serious questions about the adequacy of security measures at the Gelora Bandung Lautan Api stadium. While large crowds and passionate fans are common at football matches, authorities have a responsibility to ensure the safety of all individuals present, including journalists. The fact that fans were able to breach security barriers and target media personnel suggests a potential lapse in security protocols. A thorough investigation into the events of February 19th is needed to determine what went wrong and to implement measures to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
The AFC Champions League is a prestigious competition that attracts a global audience. Incidents like this not only endanger the safety of journalists but also damage the reputation of the tournament and the host nation. The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) will likely be reviewing the security arrangements at GBLA and may impose sanctions if deemed necessary. INDONESIA-BANDUNG-FOOTBALL-AFC CHAMPIONS LEAGUE TWO-PERSIB BANDUNG VS RATCHABURI saw heightened security concerns.
The Importance of Press Freedom in Sports Reporting
The safety and security of journalists are paramount to ensuring a free and informed press. Journalists play a vital role in covering sporting events, providing accurate and unbiased reporting to the public. When journalists are threatened or attacked, it undermines their ability to perform their duties and stifles the flow of information. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks faced by media personnel in certain environments and the need for greater protection.
The incident at GBLA also highlights the importance of respecting the role of the media in sports. Journalists are not simply observers; they are essential stakeholders in the sporting ecosystem. Their reporting helps to promote transparency, accountability, and fair play. Attacking journalists sends a chilling message and can have a detrimental effect on the integrity of the sport.
Moving forward, it is crucial that authorities prioritize the safety of journalists covering sporting events. This includes providing adequate security, ensuring clear lines of communication, and investigating any incidents of violence or intimidation. The AFC and the Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) must work together to implement robust security protocols that protect all individuals involved in the game. The PSSI has yet to release an official statement regarding the incident, but is expected to address the concerns raised by the media and the AFC in the coming days.
The next step will be the AFC’s review of the incident and potential disciplinary action. Further updates regarding the investigation and any resulting sanctions are expected within the next week. We encourage readers to share their thoughts and experiences in the comments section below. Your feedback is valuable as we continue to report on this developing story.