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Matches between Persib Bandung and Persija Jakarta are always tense, both on and off the field.

The two supporters’ clubs, Persija’s Jakmania and Persib’s Vikings, consider the other a bitter rival, and few matches go by without off-field incidents between them.

With that in mind, the Bandung district government and police expressed wariness over what would happen when the teams and fans meet at Si Jalak Harupat Stadium on Jan. 9. Officials declared on Friday that the match must take place with empty stands.

“After a discussion with the Bandung district government, we decided not to issue a match permit for Persib versus Persija unless it’s played behind closed doors,” Bandung district police chief AKBP Imran Yunus said.

“Experiences show that clashes between the two teams, whether it’s in Bandung or Jakarta, have a huge potential for mass brawls before, during or after the match. We don’t want to take that risk.”

Another concern, Imran said, was avoiding damage to the stadium. Si Jalak Harupat underwent repairs after suffering damage during the West Java earthquake on Sept. 2. The stadium will be the main venue for the 2010 West Java Provincial Games in July, adding to the government’s concerns.

Persib officials said a decision on playing without fans or moving the match elsewhere had yet to be made. Relocating is unlikely, though, as Indonesian Super League rules dictate clubs must make an official request for a postponement 14 days prior to the match.

“We just received the Bandung district government and police’s official notification, so we can’t say much at this moment,” Persib manager Umuh Mohtar said. “Of course we want to play in front of our supporters, but let’s just see. We’ll make the decision early next week.”

Persib supporters lambasted the decision.

“We just want to support our team and watch the game,” said Deny Ahmad, a Persib fan. “It’s the police’s duty to secure the match, and I believe they could prevent violence inside and outside the stadium if they worked harder.”

The last violence between the clubs occurred in July 2008, when Persib hosted Persija at Siliwangi Stadium in Bandung. Away fans were barred from matches between the clubs after that.

Players traveling to stadiums in police tanks is not uncommon in the rivalry. Persib last traveled by bus to Persija in 2006, only for its vehicles to be severely damaged. Players left Lebak Bulus Stadium in police tanks.

Elsewhere today, last-place Pelita Jaya visits PSPS Pekanbaru while Persijap Jepara hosts Persik Kediri. Persela Lamongan hosts Persebaya Surabaya on Sunday.



Antara, JG