The AFC Champions League Two Round of 16 clash between Persib Bandung and Ratchaburi FC on Wednesday, February 19, 2026, extended beyond the pitch, as a post-match disturbance resulted in several Thai journalists becoming caught in the unrest. The incident occurred after Ratchaburi secured a 1-0 victory at Gelora Bandung Lautan Api (GBLA) stadium, but failed to overturn a 3-0 first-leg deficit, eliminating them from the competition. The focus on the match quickly shifted to concerns for the safety of media personnel covering the event, highlighting the potential dangers faced by journalists in high-stakes sporting environments.
The match itself was described as anticlimactic, with Persib Bandung unable to mount a sufficient comeback against Ratchaburi FC. Disappointment over the result, and reportedly dissatisfaction with the officiating by a referee from Saudi Arabia, fueled the tensions that spilled over after the final whistle. While supporters’ frustrations are common in such scenarios, the situation escalated to a point where journalists covering the game found themselves in harm’s way. The incident underscores the importance of security measures at sporting events and the demand to protect those reporting on them.
Journalists Caught in the Crossfire
One journalist, identified as Voy, shared a harrowing account of the events with Thai League’s official Facebook page. Voy described a chaotic scene as fans breached security and entered the field, throwing objects – including stones, bricks, glass, and fireworks – at those nearby. “I ran through the fireworks and onto the field. They were throwing all sorts of things: stones, bricks, glass, and fireworks from the stands,” Voy recounted. The situation rapidly deteriorated during added time, with a compact group initially bypassing security and then inciting a larger influx of supporters onto the pitch.
Voy was with P’Moo, a photographer working for Ratchaburi FC, when they realized the escalating danger. P’Moo, recognizing the increasing instability, began to secure their equipment. As the crowd surged forward, P’Moo was physically assaulted, sustaining an injury to the knee, while Voy narrowly avoided being struck by a fan. The pair then attempted to reach the safety of the GBLA media room, a challenging journey through a throng of agitated supporters.
The path to the media room was fraught with peril. Voy described a terrifying moment where fans attempted to force their way through a door near the media room entrance, leaving him frozen in fear. “They were also throwing knives and setting off fireworks. I had to run through the fireworks they were setting off to gain into the media room. If I hadn’t, they would have chased me from behind. At that moment, I was running for my life, dodging kicks and fireworks; I didn’t know what to do,” Voy stated.
Voy and P’Moo were able to exit the stadium after connecting with Ratchaburi FC supporters in the mixed-zone, receiving an escort from the team’s security detail. Videos circulating on social media appear to show attacks on photographers, though it remains unconfirmed whether these incidents involve the same journalists who shared their account.
Security Concerns and Aftermath
The incident raises serious questions about security protocols at the Gelora Bandung Lautan Api stadium and the measures in place to protect journalists covering sporting events. While the passion of fans is a key element of the game, the safety of all individuals present – including media personnel – must be a top priority. The AFC Champions League, a premier club competition in Asia, demands a secure environment for both participants and those reporting on the action.
The match between Persib Bandung and Ratchaburi FC was a second-leg contest in the Round of 16 of the AFC Champions League Two 2025/26. Ratchaburi had previously won the first leg 3-0, making Persib’s task of advancing to the next round a significant challenge. The result confirmed Ratchaburi’s progression in the tournament, while Persib Bandung’s campaign came to an end. The AFC reported that Ratchaburi FC “strolled to an easy 3-0 win” in the first leg.
The broader AFC Champions League Two competition has seen other recent matches, including a 0-3 victory for Tampines Rovers FC (Singapore) over Cong An Ha Noi FC (Vietnam) on February 17, 2026. The AFC also announced disciplinary decisions made at a meeting on February 17, 2026, though details of those decisions were not immediately available.
Looking Ahead
Authorities are expected to review security arrangements at the Gelora Bandung Lautan Api stadium in light of the recent events. Further investigation into the incident and potential disciplinary action against those involved is anticipated. The AFC has not yet released an official statement regarding the safety of journalists at the match, but is likely to address the matter in the coming days. The focus now shifts to ensuring a safe and secure environment for future matches in the AFC Champions League Two and other sporting events in Indonesia.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks faced by journalists covering live events and the critical need for robust security measures to protect their safety. Share your thoughts on the importance of media safety in the comments below.
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