Music concerts will damage pitch: PSSI

The Indonesian Soccer Association (PSSI) expressed its discontent over the planned use of home turf Gelora Bung Karno Stadium for a music concert, fearing it may damage the stadium’s newly renovated pitch.

“I am concerned because the pitch is very important for our matches. It can damage the pitch, especially if it is used for a concert,” PSSI executive committee member Bob Hippy said Monday as quoted by tempointeraktif.com.

Two music concerts over two days are scheduled to be held at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium. Bad Religion is due to perform on Sept. 20, while Linkin Park is scheduled the next day on Sept. 21.

According to the PSSI, those schedules conflict with the soccer national team, which is to face Qatar in an important World Cup qualifying match on Oct. 11.

“The pitch should not be used for a month before a game,” Bob added.