PETALING JAYA: The Philippines football team couldn’t help feeling they were “robbed” by some dubious refereeing decisions as they went down fighting to Malaysia in their Merdeka Tournament match at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil on Wednesday.
Key striker Patrick Reichelt, who plays his club football with Kuala Lumpur, took to social media to vent his frustration over Indonesian referee Yudi Nurcahya’s handling of the match.
“Some of the decisions favoured the host team. This was a little too obvious. Try hiding it better,” he posted on his X (formerly Twitter) account after his team’s 2-1 loss.
He ended the tweet by posting the hashtag #whatcanyoudo, which was made popular by Johor Crown Prince and Johor Darul Ta’zim owner Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim.
The Philippines, nicknamed the Azkals, strongly felt that they had two valid claims for a penalty that were denied.
The first involved the 36-year-old Reichelt being fouled by Malaysian centreback Feroz Baharuddin in the box, but Yudi just waved play on when the Filipinos appealed for a spot-kick.
In the second incident, substitute striker Sandro Reyes was clumsily knocked down by winger Safawi Rasid but again, the loud calls for a penalty just fell on deaf years.
Philippines coach Nelson Fegidero also had issues with the refereeing but said he was delighted with the fighting spirit shown by his players.
“They gave a good fight until the final whistle and I’m proud of them. But we had two clear penalties that were not given and that cost us dearly.”
Filipino captain and goalkeeper Neil Etheridge said they will now focus on the third place playoff game against Tajikistan on Sunday.
“We need a good rest after this frustrating night and will try to win the third placing match,” said the Buriram United goalkeeper.
