Newcastle Jets coach Ernie Merrick says his side were not at their best, but the class of Kashima Antlers was undeniable in the Jets' 4-1 Asian Champions League qualifying loss in Japan.

The defending ACL champions, who are yet to start their J-League campaign, were fast and clinical at Kashima Soccer Stadium on Tuesday to easily book their spot in Group E.

Brazilian Serginho scored a second-half brace, including a penalty, to end any hopes of a Jets' comeback.

Newcastle were buoyed by a surprise...

Persija Jakarta coach Ivan Kolev has defended the decision to play striker Marko Simic in their AFC Champions League qualifier against Newcastle just hours after he faced charges over an alleged assault of a woman on the flight from Bali.

Simic, 31, faced Downing Centre Local Court on Tuesday morning accused of common assault and an act of indecency on board Sunday's international flight to Sydney.

His case was adjourned to April 9 and he was released on conditional bail, which reportedly included...