Persib vs Manila Digger Match to Be Held Without Spectators, Here Are the Messages from Beckham Putra and Ramon Tanque.

Persib Bandung will face Manila Digger in the 2026/2027 AFC Champions League Two (ACL Two) play-off fixture behind closed doors. This situation has not dampened the optimism of the Blue Prince squad, but serves as both a reminder for supporters and an additional challenge for the team ahead of the match at Si Jalak Harupat Stadium, Bandung Regency on 31 August 2026.

Persib midfielder Beckham Putra Nugraha has called for the club's fanbase Bobotoh to continue showing their support even if they cannot attend the stadium in person. He also asked supporters to treat the AFC sanction as a lesson to behave more orderly when backing the side in future matches.

Beckham reminded that AFC regulations are extremely strict, particularly regarding spectator conduct, with penalties that can cause significant harm to the club.

"This is absolutely a note for all Bobotoh to conduct themselves better inside stadium grounds. We know the AFC is very thorough with penalties and related protocols. Hopefully this situation will be extra motivation for everyone to stay positive and keep backing the team," he stated via the club's official channels.

Beckham Still Counting On Bobotoh Support

Even with the stadium closed to spectators, Beckham stressed that support from Bobotoh remains critical energy for the playing squad. He stated the bond between the team and its fans should not break solely due to the attendance ban.

"We hope everyone will still stay connected with the players, that support gives us so much good energy as a group. Bobotoh's backing means everything to us. Even though you will not be in the stands on the 31st, we are asking for all your prayers and support. This is a make-or-break match for us to qualify for ACL Two," he added.

The tie against Manila Digger is Persib's final hurdle to reach the ACL Two group stage. This fixture also represents the chance for Igor Tolic's squad to secure another consecutive campaign in top Asian continental competition.

Beckham confirmed Persib used their pre-match training camp in Bali to prepare fully for the match. He stated the programme designed by the coaching staff has been sufficient to build the team's readiness.

"Preparation has gone very well. We completed a full focused training camp in Bali, so we have had more than enough time to prepare for Manila on the 31st. We hope all the work we put in out there will give us the foundation we need to get the result," said Beckham.

Beckham also holds positive memories from Persib's prior meeting with Manila last season, an experience that has boosted his confidence ahead of the rematch.

"We are aiming to beat Manila again. We got a strong home result against them last season, and we want to repeat that performance. If we pull that off, we will get Persib through to the main ACL Two group stage," he concluded.

Ramon Tanque Unfazed By Si Jalak Harupat Venue Switch

Meanwhile, Persib striker Ramon Tanque has raised no concerns over the club's decision to relocate the match from Gelora Bandung Lautan Api Stadium (GBLA) to Si Jalak Harupat.

GBLA remains unavailable while undergoing pitch maintenance and turf restoration works. However for Ramon, the venue change is not a major concern given the fixture will be played behind closed doors regardless.

"As for playing at a different stadium, I don't believe this will change our situation much at all. The gates will be closed, there will be no supporters inside either way," Ramon explained.

Persib was handed the behind-closed-doors sanction by the AFC following crowd disturbances after their fixture against Ratchaburi FC last season.

Ramon has called for similar incidents to be avoided going forward, to prevent Persib from receiving harsher disciplinary action in future.

The Brazilian forward also has positive match experience at Si Jalak Harupat, having featured there regularly during the 2026 President's Cup tournament.

"On top of that, we played all our recent President's Cup fixtures at this ground, so we are already fully accustomed to playing here," said Ramon.

Should they defeat Manila Digger, Persib will be placed into Group E alongside FC Seoul, Melbourne City FC and The Cong-Viettel.