Bangladesh national team players Saad Uddin and Sohel Rana Jr found themselves at the center of a social media controversy after a photo surfaced online showing them at a nightclub allegedly in Jakarta following a 2-9 defeat to Indonesia in the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026, sport.detik.com reported.
Social Media Photo Triggers Online Backlash After Defeat
The image began circulating widely on X just hours after Bangladesh suffered the heavy loss at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium on Thursday night, October 1, suaramerdeka.com.my reported. According to The Daily Star as cited by suaramerdeka.com.my, an Indonesian user originally posted the picture claiming to have met the players at a Jakarta venue before deleting the post as it spread. The defeat capped off a difficult tournament campaign for Bangladesh in Group A, where they finished without a single point after previous losses of 0-3 to Malaysia and 0-1 to Singapura.
Players Deny Jakarta Venue Claims and Point to Nepal Trip
Saad Uddin issued a direct denial regarding the timing and location of the photograph, telling Dhaka Post that the picture was not taken in Jakarta but in Nepal a month prior, sport.detik.com reported. The user on X, identified as Alana, whose account was subsequently locked, also posted a clarification stating the photos and videos were actually from a trip two months prior in Nepal where they ran into the players, apologizing for any misunderstandings caused by delayed posting habits. Saad acknowledged to sport.detik.com that going to such venues is inappropriate while defending that players maintain private lives and friendships outside of football.
Team Management Addresses Disciplinary Protocol and Curfew Rules
Bangladesh team manager Amirul Islam Babu stated that all players received strict instructions to return to their rooms following dinner ahead of the squad’s departure, suaramerdeka.com.my reported. Management admitted they could not monitor every player individually throughout the entire night but confirmed that the disciplinary committee would investigate any proven breaches of team rules. Meanwhile, the squad concluded their group stage matches in the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026, conceding nine goals against Indonesia—where Mitchell Baker scored five, alongside goals from Rizky Ridho, Justin Hubner, Luke Vickery, and Kevin Diks—while Shahriar Emon and Farhaan Ali Wahid scored the two replies for Bangladesh.
Answers regarding the match score and photograph
What was the final score of the match between Indonesia and Bangladesh?
Indonesia defeated Bangladesh with a score of 9-2 in their final Group A match of the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026.
Where did Saad Uddin claim the disputed photograph was actually taken?
Saad Uddin stated that the photo was taken in Nepal a month prior to the online controversy, rather than in Jakarta following the match.
How did Bangladesh perform overall in the Group A fixtures?
Bangladesh finished the group stage without earning any points, having lost 0-3 to Malaysia, 0-1 to Singapura, and 2-9 to Indonesia.
Who scored the goals for Indonesia during the 9-2 victory?
Mitchell Baker scored five goals for Indonesia, while Rizky Ridho, Justin Hubner, Luke Vickery, and Kevin Diks added one goal each.
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