Alongside the touchline ban, he has been hit with a fine of 15,000 Swiss francs (US$19,300), the FIFA Disciplinary Committee announced this week.

The decision, which Surmadji unsuccessfully appealed, was based on a comprehensive review of video evidence and reports from the match commissioner at Saudi Arabia’s King Abdullah Stadium.

The sanctions stem from a chaotic conclusion to the match on Oct. 11 that ended Indonesia’s World Cup dream in the qualifiers. Tensions boiled over at the final whistle as Indonesia players and staff, convinced their defeat was orchestrated by unfavorable officiating from Chinese referee Ma Ning, stormed the pitch to confront him.

Broadcast footage captured the moment the protests turned violent. After substitute Shayne Pattynama shoved a defender, requiring Iraq coach Graham Arnold to intervene, Surmadji aggressively charged at Ma Ning, shoving the official from behind. Referee Ma’s post-match report said the red card was issued for violent conduct.

The fallout extended beyond the technical area. Midfielders Shayne Pattynama and Thom Haye were both issued red cards during the post-match scrum. Haye, visibly enraged, had to be physically restrained by captain Jay Idzes. Both Dutch-born stars have been suspended for Indonesia’s next four matches and fined 5,000 Swiss francs each.

The explosion at the final whistle was the culmination of 90 minutes of simmering frustration, sparked by two important referee decisions. In the 77th minute, Kevin Diks was penalized for a foul that led to a free kick for Iraq, despite replays suggesting Diks touched the ball first, causing his opponent to kick him.

Tension escalated in the 86th minute when referee Ma booked Romeny for a challenge on Tahseen, a decision that sparked outrage among players who felt the challenge was fair.

Following the booking, thousands of Indonesian supporters at the stadium erupted, hurling plastic bottles and cups onto the field. The situation deteriorated so quickly that referee Ma was forced to retreat to the opposite side of the pitch.

In a desperate bid to save the game, captain Idzes approached the furious supporters, pleading for calm and helping his teammates clear debris from the grass so play could resume.

Consequently, FIFA has fined the Indonesian Football Federation (PSSI) 50,000 Swiss francs and the hosting Saudi Arabian Football Federation 30,000 Swiss francs for failing to control the crowd and let them throw objects onto the pitch.