Indonesia supporter Hendri Mulyadi dribbles the ball across the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium pitch, interrupting Wednesday’s match between Indonesia and Oman. His pitch invasion should be a sign to officials of fans’ dissatisfaction with the national team’s malaise. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara)

Feisty Indonesian Fan’s Goal Antics Hailed as Heroic on Facebook

An Indonesian football fan who invaded the pitch and tried to score a goal during the Asian Cup qualifier between Indonesia and Oman this week has been hailed as a hero by the country’s football fans.

Hendri Mulyadi was so disappointed with the national side’s poor performance in the must-win match at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium on Wednesday night that he took the matter into his own hands and jumped onto the pitch in the game’s dying minutes.

Barefooted, Hendri dribbled the ball up to Oman’s goalkeeper Ali Al Habsi, who plays for the English Premier League team Bolton Wanderers, and took a weak shot at the goal.

“I know what I did was wrong, but I couldn’t stand it. Why is it so hard for them to win?” Hendri told Metro TV.

“I hope my action will become a wake-up call for the Indonesian Football Association,” he said.

Hendri’s stunt has earned him star status. He has been interviewed by various local TV stations, and nearly 6,000 people joined a Facebook page lauding his action.

“Thank you, Hendri. I support you to become the chairman of PSSI,” Rafis Wijaya wrote on the Facebook page, referring to the Indonesian Football Association.

Indonesia’s 2-1 loss to Oman dashed the home side’s hope of qualifying for the final round of the Asian Cup.

Deutsche Press-Agentur

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