The fixture, part of the EPA U20 league, took place on Sunday in Semarang and concluded with a narrow 2-1 victory for Dewa United over Bhayangkara FC. The focus quickly shifted from the final whistle to an altercation that erupted between the two squads on the sidelines.

As tensions escalated, Alberto suddenly sprinted forward and launched a brutal kick at a Dewa United player, SINDOnews reported.

Initial reports indicate the victim suffered a dislocated shoulder from the impact, while Alberto quickly left the pitch. The footage of the attack immediately went viral, sparking widespread outrage across the Indonesian football community.

Besides Alberto, two other Bhayangkara players were also accused of violent conduct. Ahmad Catur Prasetyo attacked a Dewa member despite this person begging him not to, while Aqilah Lissunnah Aljundi kicked another player in the stomach. Several members of the coaching staff were also allegedly involved in the fight.

Young Indonesian player kungfu kicks the opponent’s back

Dewa United president Ardian Satya Negara expressed his disappointment following the incident.

“This tournament is a learning ground for young players, not a place for violence,” he told She was. “The club have a responsibility to educate on the ethics and morality of the players, instead of just putting pressure on them to win at all costs. I will sue all those responsible for the violence. Let this be a lesson for everyone.”

In response to the incident, Sumardji, chairman of the National Teams Committee, confirmed that Alberto has been immediately dismissed from the Indonesia U20 squad. The U20 head coach Nova Arianto also issued a stern warning, stating that strict disciplinary action would be taken against the player.

Alberto, 20, is considered one of the brightest prospects in Indonesian football, having made his mark by helping the national U17 squad secure the historic ticket to the 2025 U17 World Cup. During that tournament, he scored the decisive goal in a 2-1 victory over Honduras, securing Indonesia’s first-ever win at the U17 World Cup.

Following his impressive performances, the young winger was quickly called up to the Indonesia U20 team, where he was expected to become a key player for the future. However, his public image has been ruined in the wake of this uncontrolled violent outburst.

Violence has been a persistent problem in Indonesian football. Some visiting teams are even escorted to the opponent’s stadium in armored vehicles. Riot police are often deployed at matches between long-standing rivals.