KUALA LUMPUR – Sri Pahang midfielder Sergio Aguero has admitted that a loss of emotional control played a key role in his side’s 2-1 defeat to Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) in the Malaysia Cup final at Bukit Jalil National Stadium yesterday.
The 31-year-old Argentine-born Malaysian was sent off after receiving two yellow cards during the match, which was officiated by referee Razlan Joffri Ali.
Aguero was first booked for confronting the referee over a free-kick decision, before receiving a second yellow card in the 35th minute for deliberately kicking JDT forward Bergson Da Silva.
Speaking to reporters after the match, Aguero apologised to his teammates, the coaching staff and supporters, and promised to better manage his emotions moving forward.
“I feel so guilty for what I have done. I feel I let my team down and contributed to our defeat. Sometimes I struggle to control my emotions, and that’s one of my biggest flaws. In fact, this is not the first time I have let Sri Pahang down because of it.
“With a broken heart, I apologise to my teammates, coaches and fans.
“The second booking was probably my fault for reacting poorly. I should not have done that,” said Aguero.
Despite the setback, Aguero expressed pride in Sri Pahang’s fighting spirit.
“I am proud of my teammates. We fought on with ten men after I was sent off, but we never gave up.
“This is football – sometimes you win, sometimes you lose. What matters is that we never lose our spirit. Next season, we will work on our weaknesses and come back stronger.”
Aguero also voiced dissatisfaction with the standard of refereeing, describing it as inconsistent throughout the contest.
“The standard of refereeing today was poor. I wonder why they can’t be fair and square with us like they are with our opponents.
“Sometimes, I feel certain decisions are made to make sure we fail to win the match.
“I prefer not to comment further, as it will only infuriate me more,” he added.
JDT secured the Malaysia Cup title through Bergson’s penalty in the 54th minute and a decisive strike by Arif Aiman Hanapi, after T. Saravanan had given Sri Pahang a surprise lead in the 14th minute.
The victory completed a historic treble treble for the Southern Tigers, who have now swept the Super League, FA Cup and Malaysia Cup titles for three consecutive seasons. – April 27, 2025