Roma have expressed their frustration after five of their players, including the former Arsenal forward Gervinho, were refused entry into Indonesia for the latest stage of their pre-season tour.

After arriving in Jakarta for what was billed as “AS Roma Indonesia Day 2015”, Gervinho, Adem Ljajic, Seydou Doumbia, Victor Ibarbo and Antonio Sanabria were all denied entry by customs officials and put on a plane back to Rome. The Serie A club did not specify why the five were not allowed into the country.

Roma’s chief executive, Italo Zanzi, said at the team hotel: “It was unfortunate at the airport. It’s a real disappointment for us, given that we’ve made a substantial effort to be here. It’s not a positive thing for the players, for the club, who did everything we were asked to do, but most importantly for the Indonesian fans.”

Zanzi did, though, thank the public for the welcome given to those who had been allowed to stay. “The reception at the airport, in the streets and at the hotel was sincerely the best that I have seen anywhere. Thank you Indonesia.”