Justin Hubner sparked widespread backlash across Thailand after video footage captured the Indonesian defender provoking Thai player Nattapong Sayriya during the penalty shootout at the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 final on Monday, October 5, detiksport reported. The incident unfolded at the Stadion Utama Gelora Bung Karno in Jakarta, where Indonesia secured a 4-2 victory on penalties following a 2-2 draw through 120 minutes of regular and extra time.
Tensions Flaring After the Decisive Penalty at Gelora Bung Karno
The match reached its climax in the penalty shootout after both sides traded goals across regulation and extra time. Indonesia initially claimed a 1-0 lead in the 84th minute when Dean James struck a free-kick that deflected off Iklas Sanron, though Thailand answered just three minutes later through Sanron despite playing with 10 men. Peeradol Chamratsamee then put Thailand ahead 2-1 in the 110th minute before Elkan Baggott leveled the score at 2-2 in the 116th minute, as detailed by CNN Indonesia.
In the ensuing shootout, Thailand fell behind when Sarach Yooyen hit the goalpost. With the match on the line, Nattapong Sayriya stepped up as Thailand’s final penalty taker. Indonesian goalkeeper Emil Audero correctly guessed the direction of the shot, diving to his left to parry the ball away and seal the 4-2 shootout win, ending Indonesia’s 35-year wait for the tournament title, according to reports by detiksport and Suara.com.
Provocation on the Pitch and Public Reaction Across Thailand
As the Indonesian squad swarmed Emil Audero to celebrate the victory, television cameras caught Justin Hubner sprinting toward the scrambling players. According to Suara.com and VIVA.co.id, the Fortuna Sittard defender approached a dejected Nattapong Sayriya, made physical contact by pushing the player’s chest, and flashed a mocking facial expression while Nattapong walked away.
Thai media outlet Thairath, cited by Suara.com, noted that Hubner returned for a second round of taunting after turning back toward the distraught Thai defender. The gesture immediately ignited fury among supporters of the Gajah Perang. Social media channels filled with criticism from Thai fans who condemned the defender’s behavior as immature and lacking true sportsmanship, with some posts shared widely by users like Jay Worapath labeling the actions unacceptable, as reported by VIVA.co.id.
Contrasting Demeanors During the Post-Match Medal Ceremony
Despite the heated scenes on the pitch immediately following the penalty save, both teams maintained traditional protocols during the post-match ceremony. Detiksport noted that the two squads shook hands before officials distributed medals to the players.
However, lingering friction remained visible as the teams walked toward the podium. CNN Indonesia reported that Thai defender Manuel Bihr of Port FC walked past the two lines of Indonesian players, offering standard hand-slaps to most opponents, but visibly dropped his left hand and walked past Justin Hubner without making contact or looking at him. Hubner appeared visibly puzzled by the snub, an exchange that local sports outlets attributed to the intense rivalry and cumulative tension of the 120-minute final.
Indonesian player Justin Hubner defended his emotional state in remarks published by Suara.com following the match, pointing to the immense physical toll of the grueling encounter. “I played for 90 minutes, but in extra time I was substituted. Honestly, my legs were truly tired. But, yes, I think if you look at the mentality of this group, it’s crazy. Completely crazy. There’s nothing more I can say,” Hubner stated.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Final Incident
What was the final score of the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 final?
Indonesia defeated Thailand 4-2 on penalties after the match ended in a 2-2 draw through normal time and extra time at the Stadion Utama Gelora Bung Karno in Jakarta on Monday, October 5, 2026, according to records from detiksport and CNN Indonesia.
Which player missed the decisive penalty for Thailand?
Nattapong Sayriya took Thailand’s final penalty kick in the shootout, which was successfully blocked by Indonesian goalkeeper Emil Audero, as reported by detiksport.
How did Justin Hubner respond to the public criticism?
While Hubner did not issue a direct public statement regarding the on-field taunts toward Nattapong Sayriya, he expressed immense pride in the team’s resilience and mental toughness during post-match comments covered by Suara.com.
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