The second half of the final of the Indonesia Cup football competition between Arema Malang and Sriwijaya FC in Solo, Central Java, was delayed for 40 minutes. The Chief of Police of Central Java had demanded to have the referee replaced on the grounds of maintaining security and order.

Following a red card decision, the Chief approached a match official. He did not specify the reason but he said, “Please have the referee changed. Otherwise I’d be forced to dismiss the match.” He also mentioned that the referee hadn’t been officiating fairly.

After a tense discussion, the match resumed with no changes. Sriwijaya FC won 2-1 and retained the cup.

Police chief demanded football match referee changed mid-game