Coach Persebaya, Bernardo Tavares, no fit hide im disappointment as di classic East Java Derby between Arema FC and Persebaya go take place without fans for stadium.
Di match wey suppose be hot encounter now don turn to neutral venue for Bali, with empty stands. Tavares, di Portuguese tactician, tok say dis decision reduce di essence of big match like Derbi Jatim.
If we look back to di last meeting at Gelora Bung Tomo Stadium, di atmosphere dey live. Both teams draw 1-1 with fans dey create gbalax. According to Tavares, dat kind moment na di real spirit of professional football.
For am, supporters no be just decoration. Di direct support from di stands fit give extra energy to players for field. Without am, di match dey lose im ‘soul’.
“I tink all players want to play wit fans. Players, coaches, I tink everybody prefer to play wit supporters, whether na home or away fans, anywhere,” Tavares yarn for press conference on Monday, 27 April 2026.
But Tavares no wan dwell for disappointment. Im say im team must remain professional and focus on wetin dem fit control.
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