At least 125 people died and about 300 are injured after chaos and violence erupted during an Indonesian soccer match in one of the world’s deadliest stadium disasters. At least 17 children were among the dead.
The Indonesian government has announced an independent inquiry into the deaths after the police fired tear gas at a game. President Joko Widodo of Indonesia said that he has asked the national police chief to conduct a thorough investigation into the tragedy and ordered an evaluation of security at soccer matches.
Supporters of Arema FC and rival Persebaya Surbaya, two of Indonesia’s biggest soccer teams, clashed in the stands after home team Arema FC was defeated 3-2 at a match in the city of Malang in East Java, police said.
Police officers fired tear gas on Saturday night to disperse agitated fans who flooded the pitch after a 3-2 defeat. Some of the Arema fans threw bottles and other objects at players and soccer officials.
Witnesses said that security personnel fired tear gas directly and indiscriminately into the crowd of people which triggered the disastrous crush of fans making a panicked, chaotic run for the exits. Rights groups have also raised alarms over the use of tear gas at the event calling for a thorough investigation and reassessment of crowd control policies.
Indonesia’s football association, known as PSSI, suspended the premier football league Liga 1 indefinitely in light of the tragedy.
FIFA President mourns “Dark Day”
“I extend my deepest condolences to the families and friends of the victims who lost their lives following this tragic incident,” FIFA President Gianni Infantino said in a statement.
FIFA, the head of soccer’s international governing body, described the incident as a “dark day” and a “tragedy beyond comprehension.”
“Together with FIFA and the global football community, all our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, those who have been injured, together with the people of the Republic of Indonesia, the Asian Football Confederation, the Indonesian Football Association, and the Indonesian Football League, at this difficult time,” he said.
Football Clubs pay tribute
Football clubs around the world are paying tribute to those killed in Indonesia.
Spain’s La Liga announced in a statement that a minute’s silence would be held at the five matches scheduled for Sunday and Monday, as well as the 10 matches the following week.
Liverpool FB tweeted: “We are deeply saddened to hear of the events at Kanjuruhan Stadium, Malang, Indonesia. The thoughts of everyone at Liverpool Football Club are with all those affected at this time.”
“We are deeply saddened to learn of the events in Malang at the Kanjuruhan Stadium Indonesia today. Along with everyone who finds a connection through football, our thoughts are with everyone affected by this tragedy,” English club Arsenal tweeted.