Lifetime ban handed down after shocking on-field assault in Indonesia
An out-of-control act sent shockwaves through Indonesian football, triggering an exemplary punishment that has rocked the local game.
A moment that crossed every line
Indonesian football was rocked this week by one of the harshest punishments the sport can impose. Muhammad Hilmi Gimnastiar, midfielder for PS Putra Jaya Pasuruan, received a lifetime ban and a fine of 2.5 million rupiah after a brutal on-field assault in the country’s fourth division.
The incident, which left the opposing player hospitalized, immediately ignited a nationwide discussion about violence in football and how governing bodies should respond when the line is crossed.
Club cuts ties within hours
Just hours after the match, Putra Jaya Pasuruan announced the termination of Gimnastiar’s contract and issued a public apology to Perseta 1970 Tulungagung, expressing regret for “the actions of its players.”
The stance was reinforced by Samiadji Makin Rahmat, president of the disciplinary committee of the East Java Football Association, who justified the ruling by stating that the act “not only violated sporting values, but also endangered another player’s life.”
The incident that sparked the ban
The assault occurred in the 71st minute, with Perseta 1970 Tulungagung already leading 4-0. Broadcast footage from the league’s official channel shows Gimnastiar ignoring the ball and launching a karate-style kick straight into the chest of Firman Nugraha.
The referee immediately produced a red card as Nugraha collapsed to the turf and was taken off on a stretcher for urgent medical attention.
Medical response and disciplinary ruling
Nugraha was transported to hospital, where doctors confirmed his injuries were not life-threatening, though he required oxygen and intensive care. Shortly after, disciplinary authorities released an official statement explaining the unprecedented sanction.
According to the committee, the lifetime suspension was imposed not only to punish Gimnastiar, but to send a clear warning to all players about the absolute intolerance for such conduct.
A message to Indonesian football
Born in 2005 and wearing the No. 23 shirt, Gimnastiar had no prior record of violent behavior. The match itself ended in a 7-2 win for Perseta 1970 Tulungagung, but the scoreline was overshadowed by the incident and its rapid spread across social media.
Football authorities across Indonesia voiced strong support for the decision, stressing that the punishment aims to protect players and set a firm precedent in amateur football. In a league often far from the spotlight, the message was unmistakable: some actions have no place in the game, at any level.
