Five Roma players denied entry into Indonesia

Roma are visiting the country for the first time, with Serie A football very popular in the Asian country.

However, all did not go as planned, with Seydou Doumbia, Gervinho, Victor Ibarbo, Ljajic and Antonio Sanabria not allowed to pass through customs. At the moment the reasons for the refusals are unclear.

The five players are flying back to Italy tonight while Roma continue with their pre-season preparations.

“We had an unfortunate situation at the airport that was very frustrating as five of our players were not allowed in the country,” club CEO Italo Zanzi explained to local fans and journalists.

“They are now on their way back to Rome. It’s a real disappointment for us, given that we’ve made a substantial effort to be here.

“Despite some of the issues with local football, we organized ‘AS Roma Indonesia Day 2015’ and we wanted our full team to be here.

“Unfortunately that now won’t be the case and it’s not a positive thing for the players, for the club, who did everything that we were asked to do, but, most importantly, for the Indonesian fans because they are why we are here.”

Zaza did still thank local fans for the reception the players and staff have received.

“It’s an honour to be here in Indonesia but we apologise for our delay. The reception that we received at the airport, along the streets and at the hotel was sincerely the best reception that I have seen anywhere.

“Thank you Indonesia. You have certainly proved that you are as big Roma fans as anywhere in the world.”

Read the original article on Football Italia - The ultimate website for English-speaking fans of Italian football