A 31-year-old striker for Indonesia's most successful football club has appeared in a Sydney court, just hours before he is due to kick-off in an AFC Champions League clash against the Newcastle Jets at Hunter Stadium.

Croatian Marko Simic was arrested by Australian Federal Police upon his arrival at Sydney Airport on Sunday, after an alleged act of indecency without consent against a female passenger on a flight from Bali.

Marko Simic and his lawyer Robert Haralovic leaving the Downing Centre. Credit:Nick Moir

The footballer was travelling to Sydney with his teammates from Persija Jakarta for a knockout game against the Jets.

It is understood a female passenger on the flight made a complaint to cabin crew that she had allegedly experienced unwanted touching by Mr Simic.