The Indonesian Liga 1 match between Semen Padang FC and Persija Jakarta ended in controversy with a 1-0 home win on December 22, 2025. Jordi Amat's own goal in the 82nd minute sealed it, while Emaxwell Souza's strike in the 90+10th minute was disallowed by VAR due to a prior foul. The decision sparked protests from Persija players and fans.
The match at Stadion Gelora Haji Agus Salim in Padang on Monday, December 22, 2025, was tense and dramatic. Persija Jakarta, riding a six-game winning streak, were reduced to 10 men from the 37th minute after Figo Dennis received a second yellow card. Their situation worsened when Fabio Calonego was sent off with a straight red in injury time for elbowing an opponent, as confirmed by VAR.
Semen Padang's winning goal came in the 82nd minute via an own goal by Persija defender Jordi Amat, putting the hosts ahead 1-0. The climax arrived in the 90+10th minute when Emaxwell Souza beautifully scored for Persija, silencing the home crowd. But the referee disallowed it after VAR review, ruling that Allano Souza had fouled earlier in the buildup.
The call ignited fierce protests from Persija players, though the referee stood firm. Emaxwell Souza vented on his Instagram Story: “What happened today is not real,” with an angry emoji. In contrast, Semen Padang advisor Andre Rosiade praised the referee on social media: “Alhamdulillah, we won and got 3 points. Thank you to the players who fought amazingly. Thank you to the referee who was brave, firm, and fair.” He sarcastically addressed Jakmania protests, suggesting they report to PT LIB CEO Ferry Paulus.
The loss halted Persija's seven-game win streak bid and dropped them from second in the standings, overtaken by Persib Bandung. Jakmania flooded social media criticizing coach Maurício Souza's tactics, including benching foreign players and late substitutions, plus the VAR decision. For Semen Padang, still in the relegation zone under Dejan Antonic, the three points provided a vital morale boost.
