Women's Sepak Takraw Team Walks Out of SEA Games Match Against Malaysia
Jakarta. Indonesia's women's sepak takraw, or kick volleyball, team walked out in a game versus host side Malaysia on Sunday (20/08) in the 2017 Southeast Asian Games after Singaporean referee Mohd Radhi Che Mei made a controversial ruling.
The Indonesian side came up short 20-22 against Malaysia in the match's first set but took the lead 16-9 in the second set when Chei Mei ruled out a serve, making the score 16-10.
Despite the lead, Indonesian head coach Asry Syam summoned his players and walked off the court to the shock of the opposing squad. The visiting squad made it clear they believe the match was fixed in Malaysia's favor.
"I didn't feel like there was any mistake on the last serve, but the referee said it was a fault. He penalized our serves even for eight times, we felt deluded and then decided to walk out," Indonesian team player Lena said, according to the Ministry of Sports official website.
"The referee was clearly supporting the host," said Abdul Gani, an assistant coach.
Asry's decision to walk out was supported by Sports Minister Imam Nahrawi, who himself witnessed the match at Tasik Titiwangsa Stadium in Kuala Lumpur.
"Sport teaches us about integrity and fairness, that's why there's a phrase called sportsmanship. I suspect there was a scenario to stop us and to make the host win," Imam said.
Malaysia's women's sepak takraw team has never defeated Indonesia in any match.
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