JAKARTA (AFP) – Several thousand people lined the streets in Jakarta yesterday, chanting, lighting flares and waving flags to welcome the triumphant Indonesian football team home from the Southeast Asian Games.
Indonesia defeated Thailand 5-2 in extra time in a bad-tempered men’s final in Phnom Penh on Tuesday that saw four players sent off and two mass brawls.
The Asian Football Confederation and Thai football officials vowed to investigate the violent scenes between the two sides. Thailand ended the final with eight players on the field.
Putting the controversy to one side, the Indonesian squad paraded through central Jakarta in an open-top bus branded with the word “CHAMPIONS”.
The win was Indonesia’s first football gold at the regional Games in 32 years.
Fans noisily saluted their heroes from the roadside and pedestrian bridges. Workers poured out of office buildings.
“Today is a very special day for all of us,” said Sports Minister Dito Ariotedjo.
“The day when we stand tall with red and white pride in our hearts.”
