Indonesian fooatball club players score with ‘harmonious’ goal celebration

Jun 15, 2017

By Rashvinjeet S. Bedi
They may have different beliefs but that does not stop them from achieving the same goals.

That was the caption for a picture of three football players from Indonesia’s Bali United FC, who are of different faiths, celebrating a goal by assuming the Christian, Muslim and Hindu prayer positions.

The picture was posted on Facebook Monday, and has been shared more than 11,000 times, garnering praise from all over the world.

According to a report by the Washington Post, Bali United’s Hindu defender Ngurah Nanak, Christian forward Yabes Roni and Muslim striker Miftahul Hamdi celebrated Yabes’ second goal in the team’s 3-0 win against Borneo FC last month by lining up next to one another in their respective prayer positions.

“Even though we all come from different religions and ethnicities, we’re all one. We have to protect the country’s harmony and stay united,” Yabes is reported to have told Indonesian portal Kompas.com.

Miftahuddin Halim, the photographer who took the picture, was quoted as saying that he was glad that the photo served as an example for the people.

“Soccer can unite the country,” he said.

Bali United are third in Indonesia’s Liga 1 with 16 points after nine games. --The Star